Shikwaya was 'machinery' behind prosecutor's murder plot, court hears

Police detective Antonius Gabriel last week strongly opposed bail for one of the accused in the murder of control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, describing Petrus Shikwaya as a central figure in the events that led to her death.

“He is the machinery for Justine’s death. Without him she could have been alive,” the detective alleged while testifying in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Gabriel told the court that Shikwaya allegedly played a key role in facilitating financial transactions linked to the alleged murder plot.

“Shikwaya is the machinery and lubricant in the murder of Justine,” Gabriel testified.

“He has been receiving money and funding the entire process," the detective told the court.

Gabriel made the remarks while explaining why the State believes Shikwaya should remain in custody pending trial.

He warned that releasing Shikwaya could pose a risk to witnesses and individuals involved in the case. “If he is out on bail, who could be next? It could be me or another prosecutor,” Gabriel told the court.

He also reiterated the State’s position that Shikwaya could interfere with witnesses if released, noting that one of the State witnesses is his father.

Events leading up to the crime

The detective added that Abner Matheus, Shikwaya's uncle and another accused in the matter, allegedly made four separate attempts to make a fraud docket disappear while he was in custody.

Led by state prosecutor Yeukai Kangira, Gabriel told the court that Matheus was facing a fraud case that kept him in custody and allegedly resorted to several measures to derail the matter.

“Matheus made attempts. He wanted to burn the office where the docket is kept at court. He recruited police officers to exchange the court orderly. He paid police officers to steal the docket. He attempted to pay Justine Shiweda so she could make the docket disappear,” Gabriel testified.

“All the attempts didn’t work and that is what triggered him to eliminate Justine because she was a stumbling block in his way.”

Gabriel said he also opposes bail for Shikwaya due to the seriousness of the charges he faces.

“The crime he is charged with can carry life imprisonment if he is found guilty".

Gabriel described Shikwaya as a prominent figure in Matheus’ financial affairs.

“Shikwaya was the minister of finance for the uncle and the private secretary. He cannot get bail,” Gabriel testified.

Shikwaya is among six accused charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice in connection with the killing of Shiweda.