ONDANGWA – Six men facing various charges, including murder, had their case postponed to 20 April following formal complaints regarding their treatment in custody.
They appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
They have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit the murder of control prosecutor Justine Shiweda.
She died earlier this year in Windhoek. The accused are Lukas Mekondjo Nekwiyu, Mateus Mewiliko Abner, Petrus Panduleni Nadhipite Usiku, Nghilifavali Johannes, Petrus Kuume Shikwaya, and Fillemon ‘Dr Fly’ Nakanduungile.
While the group has been in custody since their arrests in November 2025, bail applications for Usiku and Shikwaya are scheduled to be heard on 20 April.
On his part, Abner raised complaints that he is not allowed to communicate with his family or his co-accused.
“I am an accused, but I am a human being. This is unfair treatment,” he said.
Abner is always transported alone in a police vehicle, while the others are transported together when they appear at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court from Grootfontein Prison, something that does not sit well with him.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings were momentarily halted as the group raised grievances concerning their detention conditions. The group alleged that they are strictly prohibited from receiving visitors and are given inadequate time to consult with their legal representatives, potentially infringing on their right to a fair trial.
Magistrate Ndjembo Verukua postponed his decision on the issue of limited access to communication.
Nakanduungile’s lawyer, Petrus Smart Elago also raised concerns, stating that he often travels from Windhoek to Grootfontein Prison to consult with his client.
“The time given to me is too short to speak to my client. I am not satisfied with the way I am being treated,” he said.
He also told the court that consultations take place in an open space without privacy.
“I need at least an office and a table so I can consult with my client without interruption,” he added.
The State opposed unlimited access to communication channels, stating that such access allegedly contributed to the planning of the crime against the late prosecutor.
Meanwhile, Nekwiyu (well known as Mane) stated that he does not face the same limitations as the others, as he is incarcerated at the Oluno Correctional Facility.
Magistrate Njembo is also set to rule on the bail applications of Usiku, Johannes (also known as Josi), and Shikwaya (also known as Kuxa). The bail application of Nakanduungile was denied.
During the session, the prosecutor became agitated and ordered two of the accused to stop talking to each other, as they were making noise.