‘I will not go down for something I did not do’ - Shikwaya

Murder accused Petrus Shikwaya told the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday that he would not “go down for something I did not do” as his bail application continued before Magistrate Kaeren Kleopas.

Shikwaya is among six men accused of murdering Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda. He made the remark during re-examination by his lawyer, Murray Shikongo, following cross-examination by public prosecutor Yeukai Kangira.

The court heard that cellphone records allegedly show communication between Shikwaya and his uncle, Abner Matheus, whom the State alleges masterminded Shiweda’s murder.

According to evidence presented, Shikwaya and Matheus spoke for 81 seconds on 21 September last year and for 17 seconds on 29 September. The court also heard that Matheus allegedly called Shikwaya on 17 October, the day Shiweda was allegedly shot and doused with acid.

During cross-examination, Shikwaya denied conspiring to murder Shiweda.

“I did not conspire to commit murder. I only sent money on the instructions of Abner Matheus,” he told the court.

Kangira alleged that a bank account linked to Shikwaya was used to transfer N$1 200 in two payments of N$600, money the State claims was used to purchase a corrosive substance allegedly used in the attack.

Shikwaya denied knowing what the money was used for, saying he only transferred funds on his uncle’s instructions.

The State also alleged that Shikwaya sent N$4 950 on 17 October last year, the day of the attack, to a person who remains an outstanding suspect.

“If I sent the money, it was on the instructions of Abner Matheus,” he said.

The prosecution further alleged that Shikwaya purchased a Suzuki vehicle as a gift for Lukas Nekwiyu, who is allegedly linked to the procurement of acid used in the attack.

The vehicle was later involved in an accident in northern Namibia.

Shikwaya denied the allegation, saying he bought the vehicle after being approached by another uncle, Abner Samuel, who intended to use it for a Yango business.

Kangira also alleged that Shikwaya provided fuel money for a vehicle that transported the acid to Ondangwa.

Samuel is separately accused of fraudulently claiming N$253 000 from Sanlam, which the State alleges was channelled through Shikwaya’s bank account.

The State further alleges that more than N$1 million linked to a Sanlam fraud scheme passed through the same account.

Shikwaya maintained that he was unaware the account was being used for criminal activity and said that while Matheus used it, he had no knowledge of unlawful transactions.

“I will not go down for something I did not do,” he repeated.

Shikwaya and his co-accused face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice in connection with the killing of Shiweda, who died in February after being shot and attacked with acid at her home.

The bail hearing continues.