Auleria Wakudumo
Self-proclaimed herbalist Kennedy Thiogo Kasume, well- known as Dr Andrew, was denied bail on Tuesday after his appearance at the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, obstructing the course of justice and firearm offences.
It is alleged that the suspect shot his 28-year-old housemate and co-worker Nahum Shanyengadje in the left thigh and left hand with a pistol.
Kasume stood before Magistrate Mozay Jansen, while public prosecutor Shylock Mulijani strongly opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offence.
It is not in the public interest or the administration of justice to grant him bail, the prosecutor said.
“There is also a fear the accused may interfere with the police investigation and the victim. The State has a prima facie case against him,” the prosecutor stated.
The second bail hearing is scheduled for 3 June.
The incident occurred on 1 May between 16h00 and 18h00 at the Makalani Real Estate houses behind Ongwediva Mini Market.
The suspect was arrested on 4 May.
It is alleged that the conflict between Kasume and the victim stemmed from a dispute over accommodation.
On the day of the incident, the victim reportedly arrived with a truck to collect his belongings.
Upon the victim informing the suspect that he was moving out, the situation allegedly escalated.
“The suspect allegedly refused to let the victim leave, allegedly striking him in the mouth with a fist before pulling out a firearm. The suspect then allegedly hit the victim on the head with the butt of a pistol, fired a shot that hit the victim in his thigh and left hand,” the police said.
The suspect moved the victim from his residence, instructed him to switch off his phone, and to not inform anyone of his whereabouts or what had happened. ‘
The suspect subsequently took him to a private doctor without reporting the incident to the police.
The victim requested to be taken to the police station.
However, the suspect instead administered first aid, and drove the victim to the Elim area in the Omusati region that same night.
Kasume kept the victim there for several days.
The victim accused the suspect of taking him to a private doctor, and instructing him to claim he had shot himself.
The suspect later transported the victim to Ondjongulume, where he managed to escape.
The suspect went to his relatives, who took him to the police.
The victim was transported to the Oshakati State Hospital for further treatment due to signs of infection in his wounds.