Matheus says calls with nephew were about school, not murder plot

Alleged murder mastermind Abner Matheus yesterday denied that phone calls between him and his nephew Petrus Shikwaya were linked to the grisly attack of Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda.Testifying during Shikwaya’s bail hearing in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, Matheus said a 23-minute call between the pair on 16 October 2025 – a day before Shiweda was allegedly shot and doused with acid, sustaining fatal injuries – centred on Shikwaya’s future plans.“I talk to Shikwaya every now and then. He is my nephew. Particularly around September 2025, we talked about school issues. He was not sure whether to go and study or go for job opportunities,” Matheus testified.The State, however, argues the communication formed part of a series of calls and transactions linked to the plot to kill Shiweda.State prosecutor Yeukai Kangira told the court that Matheus also communicated with co-accused Petrus Uusiku and an accused person who remains on the run before and after the murder.Kangira said Matheus allegedly called the fugitive shortly before Shiweda was shot on 17 October 2025 and again afterwards. Four minutes after one of the calls, Shikwaya allegedly transferred N$4 950 on Matheus’ instructions to an individual the State has described as an outstanding suspect in the matter.Kangira further alleged that Matheus communicated with the same fugitive on 29 September 2025, the day acid allegedly used in the attack was purchased.Too young Matheus denied the allegations and insisted there was nothing suspicious about speaking to his nephew and friends.“Uusiku is my friend. I don’t see anything wrong with calling my friend and my nephew,” he said.“The applicant, in my eyes, is a child and should I be involved in something like that, he is not someone I would invite to such crimes.”Shikwaya is among six accused facing charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.The bail hearing continues today before magistrate Kaeren Kleopas.

Matheus says calls with nephew were about school, not murder plot

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-17

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Matheus says calls with nephew were about school, not murder plot

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-17

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