Wife of slain police officer arrested, charged with murder

The wife of a murdered police officer has been arrested and charged in connection with his death.

Anelda Shigwedha appeared in the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday following her arrest on Thursday, 9 April.

She faces a charge of murder, read together with the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, in connection with the death of her husband, Sergeant Thomas Shigwedha.

Shigwedha, who was stationed at the Okakarara police station, was found dead in June last year in bushes near Dr Nicky Iyambo Street in Grootfontein.

He had sustained two stab wounds to the back of his head and his face had been crushed with a stone, police reported.

After the discovery, the suspect fled the scene.

Long hunt for suspect

Earlier this year in February, police released CCTV footage showing the deceased in the company of an unknown woman.

Investigations eventually led police to arrest his wife.

According to a court order, investigations are still ongoing. The prosecution has indicated that further evidence is needed, including witness statements, MTC data, laboratory results and the application of Section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

During her first court appearance before magistrate Adelinu Hailongo on Monday, the woman informed the court that she had secured private legal representation through lawyer Raphael Liswaniso.

State prosecutor Kristiana Erastus strongly opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the State’s case, concerns that the accused could interfere with witnesses and that she is a known flight risk.

The prosecutor further argued that public interest and confidence in the administration of justice would be undermined if bail were granted at this early stage.

Suspect fears community backlash

The court also took note of significant public attention surrounding the case, with members of the public closely following the proceedings.

When approached to respond, Shigwedha made a striking admission, saying she could not be granted bail at this stage due to concerns about her own safety.

After being informed of her right to formally apply for bail, she indicated that she intended to proceed with a bail application at a later stage.

The case was postponed to 1 June for further investigation. The accused remains in custody.