WALVIS BAY – Seven people who were arrested last week in connection with the disappearance of Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) student Matheus Sheehama (24) have been charged with murder.

The suspects are Sheehama’s
girlfriend Jessica Gaes (27), her brother Jimmy Gaeb (24), and Gaes’ ex-boyfriend Michael Awaseb (24).

Others are Marvin Wapota (20), Romano Paulus (20), Enrico Gomachab (20) and Moses Kandume (18). The group was initially only charged with assault. However, the charges were changed after Sheehama’s remains were found at Independence Beach on 6 August. Sheehama went missing on 27
July after attending a braai with his girlfriend, who was arrested on Monday
in connection with his initial disappearance.

Police Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu said Sheehama and Gaes went to her residence for a braai. Sheehama was allegedly falsely accused of
slapping Gaeb, resulting in him being attacked by the suspects.

Family members who protested at
the court last week told New Era that
the girlfriend allegedly returned Sheehama’s shoes and his phone to his mother, but denied having any knowledge of his whereabouts. 

After a week-long search, Sheehama’s remains were washed ashore at Independence Beach, leading to her arrest as well as that of a seventh suspect, Kandume. The suspects made a brief court appearance on
Monday afternoon on charges of murder, defeating the course of justice, and kidnapping. 

Gomachab and Kandume indicated they would obtain private legal representation. 

Gaeb and Paulus said they would conduct their own defence, while the remaining three suspects indicated they would apply for legal aid.

Prosecutor Annakleta Kandjimi said the State is objecting to bail at this stage, as it is not in the interest of justice or the community to grant bail to the suspects.

The case was postponed to today for further investigation.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na