Iuze Mukube

A 30-year-old resident of Windhoek who allegedly shot a bar bouncer point blank with a gun after an altercation over a N$30 entrance fee made a first appearance yesterday.

The accused, Asser Pendapala Nendongo, was formally charged with murder as he made an appearance in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court. The State, represented by Cuthbert Lusipani, opposed bail, citing public interest and the seriousness of the offence.

There is also fear of interference with investigations by the accused. The matter was then remanded to 18 March 2026 for a formal bail application and a further date of 21 May 2026 for further investigations.

The accused was represented by Gehas Katoma on behalf of Kadhila Amoomo. The deceased, David Mbida, who was popularly known as ‘The Lion’, died on Saturday at a local hospital following the shooting incident.

Mbida, who was employed at a lounge in Wanaheda, was allegedly shot by a customer who refused to pay N$30 to enter the premises. The suspect initially fled the scene but handed himself over to the police later that night.

Family spokesperson Absalom Isack stated that the death of Mbida has negatively affected the family. He bemoaned that the deceased was simply doing his job as a bouncer and that his death should be answered for.

The deceased left behind young children, with the youngest not even a year old, he lamented.

“How will they survive?” he asked.

Remembrance

Mbida has been described by his colleagues as dedicated and punctual.
Ruben Shivolo, who is employed at the lounge as a DJ, said Mbida had been working at the lounge since November 2024 as a bouncer.
“It was just a normal working evening for us. The lounge was packed as usual. I was inside the lounge when suddenly chaos erupted and customers were running around and even jumping over the counter. Next thing, my colleague Mbida comes from outside, screaming for help. There was blood everywhere. Initially, I thought he was stabbed, but we realised he’d been shot,” Shivolo said.
He said their boss rushed Mbida to the hospital, but he had lost a lot of blood.
The bartender, Tuyenikelao Alfeus, described Mbida as a dedicated, punctual colleague who was always willing to help.
“He was that colleague you could always rely on. We all started around the same time, in November 2024. As colleagues, we became close and practically became family,” she said.
Mbida’s cousin, Natalia Naholo, has described the deceased as a loving father and brother who worked hard to provide for his family and three children.
“He was a gentleman. His death came as a shock to us because he was healthy and still so full of life. What we want now is justice,” Naholo told Nampa.
According to a crime report issued by Namibian Police Force spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the incident occurred around 23h00 on Friday.
“The suspect shot the victim through the mouth after a quarrel, which escalated into a physical confrontation. The suspect is arrested, and the firearm is confiscated. Police investigations continue,” Shikwambi said.
Mbida succumbed to his injuries Saturday afternoon.
– Additional reporting by Nampa.