Community Court Session Turns Deadly as Traditional Leader Is Shot Dead in Oshikoto
By TUW
A routine effort to resolve a land dispute turned deadly on Thursday morning when gunfire erupted at a community court gathering in Iikokola village, Oshikoto Region, leaving one traditional leader dead and another critically injured.
The Ondonga Traditional Authority said the shooting took place on 2 January 2026 while the Iikokola Community Court was formally sitting in accordance with the Community Courts Act and the Traditional Authorities Act. The session had been convened to address a disagreement involving the alleged illegal fencing of land.
At the time of the incident, National Planning Commission executive director I-Ben Nashandi and Onelago village headman Sam Nepando were overseeing the proceedings. During the hearing, a man who was directly involved in the dispute reportedly drew a firearm and opened fire.
Nepando, who was acting as deputy headman during the court session, was fatally wounded and died at the scene. Nashandi sustained serious injuries and was rushed for medical treatment, where he remains under care.
Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Nangolo Shuumbwa, through the Ondonga Traditional Authority, denounced the shooting in the strongest terms, describing it as a brutal attack on traditional leadership and the foundations of customary justice. In a statement issued by authority chairperson John Walenga, the institution emphasized that community courts play a vital role in maintaining order, accountability and peaceful coexistence at grassroots level.
The authority said it was deeply disturbed by the incident, noting that the use of violence undermines both cultural values and the rule of law. It extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Nepando and to the wider Ondonga community, urging the public to respect the privacy of the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Oshikoto police regional commander Ndafundha Iifo confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and will appear before a court of law on Monday as investigations continue.
