Soldier Accused of Murder as Life Insurance Motive Emerges in Ondangwa Court
By TUW
The Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday heard that investigators suspect a life insurance policy may have played a role in the killing of 41-year-old Salom Nikanor.
A 25-year-old soldier, Andreas Sunday Kanyanga, made his first court appearance on charges of murder and obstructing or defeating the course of justice. He was remanded in custody as police continue to investigate the matter.
According to the State, Kanyanga had taken out a life insurance policy on the deceased and was experiencing financial difficulties at the time. Prosecutors allege that this led to the fatal attack, claiming the accused became frustrated that Nikanor was “taking long to die” and allegedly acted in order to benefit from the insurance payout.
State prosecutor Naledi ||Hoeses opposed bail, describing the offence as serious and violent. She told the court that Nikanor was unlawfully killed and that his body was later dumped in a water pan. The prosecution further indicated that preliminary evidence suggests the body was mutilated, pointing to extreme violence and cruelty.
||Hoeses argued that releasing the accused on bail could interfere with ongoing investigations, including the recovery and forensic examination of exhibits, outstanding post-mortem results, and the tracing and questioning of key witnesses.
Kanyanga was informed of his right to legal representation and indicated his intention to apply for a government-funded lawyer. He was also advised of his right to formally apply for bail, an application the State said it would strongly oppose.
The court ordered that Kanyanga remain in custody at the Ondangwa police cells. The matter was postponed to 18 June 2026 for further police investigations. Magistrate Shantell-Antoinette Wanga Harris presided over the proceedings.
