WALVIS BAY – The bail hearing for the seven suspects accused of murdering 24-year-old university student Matheus Sheehama is expected to start next Tuesday.

The suspects, including Jessica !Gaes – who was dating Sheehama at the time of his death – her brother Jimmy !Gaeb, and her ex-boyfriend Michael Awaseb (24), are among the key individuals charged. 

They are joined by Marvin Wapota (20), Romano Paulus (20), Enrico Gomachab (20) and Moses Kandume (18).

The suspects made their second appearance on Monday in a fully- packed courtroom, where their case was postponed for a bail hearing by Magistrate Vicky Nikolaidis to give the prosecution
additional time to prepare. 

Initially, the suspects were charged only with assault, but the charges were escalated after Sheehama’s remains were discovered at Independence Beach on 6 August. He had gone missing on 27 July after attending a braai at !Gaes’ residence.

During a peaceful protest held outside the court, Sheehama’s family, friends and members of the Walvis Bay community called for justice. 

They appealed to the court to deny bail to all seven suspects, stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Lydia Amungenga, Sheehama’s grieving mother, made an emotional plea for answers. 

“We need to know who took my son to the sea. We cannot rest until justice is served. Matheus was supposed to be my breadwinner, but now I am empty-handed. I’ve struggled for years, paying his school fees from Grade 1 until university. He was supposed to graduate this year, and now, who will collect his certificate? He was everything to me, and now he’s gone”, she lamented.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Annakleta Kandjimi disclosed that DNA results and MTC phone records are still pending. These are expected to play a crucial role in the investigation and trial.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na