Charges Against Doctor Nakanduungile Upgraded to Murder in Shiweda Case
By TUW
The Ondangwa Magistrates’ Court on Monday postponed bail proceedings in a high-profile case linked to the killing of regional prosecutor Justine Shiweda, following her death from injuries sustained in a brutal attack last year.
State prosecutor Yeukai Kangira informed the court that the charges against one of the accused, Nakanduungile, have been formally amended in light of Shiweda’s passing. The original count of attempted murder has now been upgraded to murder under the doctrine of common purpose, while a second charge has been revised to conspiracy to commit murder.
Shiweda, who was 31 years old, died on Saturday after months of medical treatment resulting from the attack carried out on 17 October last year. She was shot and later doused with a corrosive substance, allegedly by individuals acting as part of an organised criminal group.
Nakanduungile, who is accused number six in the matter, is alleged to have collaborated with the gang responsible for the attack. The case involves a total of six accused persons.
Although the matter was set down for a bail ruling, proceedings could not continue due to the unavailability of the presiding magistrate. Kangira explained that Magistrate Lutaka was unable to attend court because subsistence and daily allowances had not been processed, forcing the magistrate to previously travel at personal expense.
“The Office of the Judiciary is addressing the issue, and we have been informed that the magistrate will be available once the necessary funds are released,” Kangira told the court.
The state subsequently applied for a postponement, and the matter was remanded to 16 February for the continuation of bail proceedings.
Nakanduungile was ordered to remain in custody at the Grootfontein Correctional Facility until his next court appearance.
