Sergeant Among Seven Arrested in Connection with Acid Attack on Prosecutor
By TUW
Oshana Police Regional Commander, Commissioner Sakaria Lungameni, has confirmed that a police officer is among the seven suspects apprehended in connection with the brutal attack on Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court public prosecutor, Justine Shiweda. The officer, Sergeant Shipanga Mateus, is accused of unlawfully facilitating the movement of one of the key suspects from police custody.
“The sergeant was not directly involved in the attack itself but played a role in relocating a suspect from custody,” Commissioner Lungameni said, highlighting the gravity of the misconduct.
The attack, which took place on 17 October, involved Shiweda’s vehicle window being smashed and a corrosive mixture of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid thrown onto her body. Police investigations linked the assault to Shiweda’s professional duties, particularly a high-profile criminal case against Abner Mateus, who is believed to have orchestrated the attack while already in custody.
Through detailed investigative work, authorities traced the chemical mixture to its point of purchase, leading to the arrests of the seven suspects: Lukas Nekwiyu, Abner Mateus, Uusiku Petrus, Selma Bahn, Johannes Nghilifavali, Petrus Shikwaya, and Sergeant Shipanga Mateus. All remain in custody and have appeared in court.
During the operation, police also seized fake banknotes, cannabis, other illegal substances, and three vehicles believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. The suspects now face multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, malicious damage to property, corruption, and contravention of firearm law.
Naftal Sakaria has further alleged that Sergeant Mateus, from Windhoek Central Police Station, unlawfully escorted Abner Mateus to a guest house, where he spent time with acquaintances and his girlfriend, consuming alcohol. “It is with deep disappointment that we confirm such conduct by a police officer. This is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” Sakaria said.
Sergeant Mateus has since been arrested, charged, and appeared in court. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the police officer’s involvement and any additional accomplices.
