The fraud case against renowned gospel artist and motivational speaker Naftalie Shigwedha Amukwelele, popularly known as D-Naff, was withdrawn on Monday pending police investigations.

Windhoek Magistrate Jurina Hochobes granted the applications by the legal team of Amukwelele and his co-accused to have the matter removed from the roll due to incomplete investigations. 

The court also ordered the refund of the accused’s bail money.

Amukwelele was charged alongside Garikayi Rimbi, Raymond Somaeb, Elia Ekonia, Ismael Francisco, and Thobias Hamakwaya. 

The group faced charges of forgery and uttering a forged document following their arrest in November last year. 

In an interview with Vibez! the artist said he felt relieved after a stressful period.

“I can’t describe the feelings and emotions running through me right now. I feel like a heavy burden has been lifted off my shoulders. It is an unspeakable joy. I want to scream!” he said.

The award-winning singer said the case affected his image and career.

“I lost trust in the public, and some gigs and bookings were cancelled over the festive season. People thought I was not a person of good character after reading about my ordeal on social media,” he said, adding that the experience changed his outlook on life and relationships.

“When I saw comments from people who were even close to me, that is when I realised people do not really love you. The people who truly care about you are your family, because they support you even when you are wrong,” he said.

Looking ahead, the musician plans to turn the painful experience into music and into ministry.

“Moving forward, I plan on releasing new material based on this experience. I will be singing about it and preaching about it. I have learnt that in this life you need God, a good lawyer, and a supportive wife. I thank God for Kadhila Amoomo. That young man is full of wisdom,” he said.

After the case was withdrawn, Amoomo took to social media to celebrate the court’s decision.

“The false allegations against our client D-Naff were thrown out of court today,” Amoomo wrote.

“Our client was released from criminal court proceedings. This case was stillborn. It never developed beyond the embryonic stage. It was dead upon arrival. We will continue to defend our client’s reputation going forward,” he added.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na