Woman accused of being a witch opens case against Apostle Shoombe

A 73-year-old woman at the centre of a viral church incident has taken steps to open a defamation case against Apostle Shaundre Solomon Shoombe, who now faces possible arrest over allegations of publicly accusing her of witchcraft.

Ohangwena police regional commander, Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa, confirmed that Tuyenikelao Kamhulu reported the matter at Okongo police station.

The docket will be transferred to Oshana Region, where the incident occurred, for formal registration and investigation.

Kamhulu allegedly travelled nearly 200 kilometres from Okongo to Okaandje village in the Ongwediva constituency seeking healing for a painful leg when the incident occurred during a church service on 28 March.

During the service, Shoombe-an Ongwediva-based cleric who claims to be a seer and faith healer-allegedly accused the elderly woman of being a witch in front of a packed congregation.

The moment was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparking public outrage.

The case is expected to be investigated under the Witchcraft Suppression Proclamation 27 of 1933, which prohibits accusing individuals of practicing witchcraft.

Criminal investigation

Oshana police regional commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, said police had already engaged Shoombe and obtained a statement after the video surfaced.

“We want stability and responsible leadership from all sectors, including church leaders. We do not want chaos and disruption in the community,” Sakaria said.

He added that once the docket is received in Oshana, the matter will proceed as a criminal investigation, after which a decision will be made on whether Shoombe will be arrested.

“As long as the matter is in the hands of the police, we will put together a case and a decision will be made,” Sakaria said, urging the public to remain calm.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with Kamhulu’s family previously demanding a public apology, describing the accusations as harmful and distressing.

Meanwhile, relatives and sympathisers have opened a WhatsApp group, “Justice for Meekulu Tuyenikelao Kamhulu”, to mobilise support and share legal guidance.

NamRights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh also said law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary must “resolutely combat” witchcraft imputation to safeguard fundamental human rights.

He stressed that such accusations undermine rights guaranteed under Chapter 3 of the Namibian Constitution, including the rights to life, liberty, dignity, equality and a fair trial.

Namibian Sun previously visited Shoombe’s church at Okaandje village, where congregants had gathered for morning prayers, although the pastor was not present at the time and has still refused to engage this publication even after attempts were made to go through the prayer line.