Auleria Wakudumo
ONDANGWA – Medical doctor Fillemon Nakanduungile admitted being in contact with Abner Mateus, the alleged mastermind behind the attack on public prosecutor Justine Shiweda on 17 October 2025.
He made the admission when he appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court this week for his bail application.
Nakanduungile has, however, denied involvement in the attack and insisted that he was at home at the time of the incident, while also maintaining that money he received linked to the bribery of the shooting of the prosecutor was a legitimate business investment.
Nakanduungile faces charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, to which he pleaded not guilty. He also faces separate charges not directly linked to the attack, including defeating the course of justice by entering Namibia illegally, for which he pleaded guilty, admitting that he had crossed the border from Angola at a non-designated point.
He is represented by his lawyer, Petrus Elago, who read the charges to him. Nakanduungile stood before Magistrate Lutaka Mutwa during his first bail hearing.
Prosecutors allege that Nakanduungile, along with co-accused Abner Mateus, Lukas Nekwiyu, Uusiku Petrus, Johannes Nghilifavali, and Petrus Shikwaya, orchestrated the shooting and acid attack on the prosecutor.
Investigators believe the attack was linked to Shiweda’s decision to deny bail for Mateus, who is currently incarcerated for unrelated offences.
Nakanduungile testified that on the day of the attack, he was at home sleeping when Nekwiyu arrived in a Polo vehicle but later left, saying they were going for tea. He claimed he remained at home with a woman before attending to normal activities, including taking his vehicle in for repairs.
Nakanduungile denied receiving the alleged N$200 000 bribe or paying someone N$70 000 to steal Mateus’ case docket.
On Tuesday, Nakanduungile denied knowingly receiving money derived from criminal activities. He told the court that the alleged N$200 000 he received was intended as an investment to improve his medical practice, including establishing a pharmacy adjacent to his clinic. He explained that Mateus was impressed by the renovations done to his clinic.
The State, however, argues that the money was a bribe from Mateus, who is also accused of paying N$100 000 to those who attacked the prosecutor.
Nakanduungile highlighted in court that he has four minor children who depend on him financially. He testified that he does not personally know most of the co-accused, except Mateus, whom he described as a patient, and Shikwaya, whom he met in custody. He also confirmed knowing Shiweda through a mutual friend.
Cross-examination is expected to continue as the State questions Nakanduungile’s ability to interfere with investigations and scrutinises his travel, financial support for dependents, and interactions with Mateus.
– awakudumo@nepc.com
