Murder charges dropped against student

The Office of the Prosecutor-General has declined to prosecute Simon Shoongeleni (26) for the fatal stabbing of Felix Jacob Gaseb (19) on Monday, 19 February 2018 at the University of Namibia's Khomasdal campus. At the time, from what could be gleaned from official and unofficial sources, Gaseb was stabbed to death after he had attacked Shoongeleni, who had refused to give him N$20.

It is alleged that Gaseb became aggressive and attacked Shoongeleni with a knife. In the scuffle, it is said that Gaseb's knife fell to the ground and was grabbed by Shoongeleni, who stabbed him in the chest and neck.

Today, at the Katutura Magistrate’s Court, the matter was withdrawn and bail money of N$1 500 was instructed to be refunded.

The incident caused a great sensation because at his Shoongeleni’s first appearance on Wednesday 21 February, a group of students, in solidarity with him, collected N$1 500 to pay the bail granted.

At the same hearing, a large contingent of students from Unam's Khomasdal campus filled the courtroom, which overflowed into the corridors and Shoongeleni was shielded from cameras by his fellow students.

Today in court, Henry Shimutwikeni appeared for Shoongeleni and Magistrate Johannes Shuuveni presided. For the State, Munika Micheal Munika appeared.