OSHAKATI – The family of slain prosecutor Justine Shiweda during a peaceful demonstration in Ondangwa on Monday, handed over a petition objecting to the granting of bail to suspects in the matter.

Six suspects have been arrested so far and are facing murder charges. They are all remanded in custody at Oluno, Grootfontein and Windhoek correctional facilities and are applying for bail. The bail hearing continues on Tuesday at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court.

Family representative Elizabeth Nuukala, who read the petition before submitting it to the prosecution, outlined several reasons why the accused should remain in custody, repeatedly stressing that the release of the accused persons would not be in the interest of justice.

Nuukala said at the centre of the petition are the seriousness and brutality of the crime, which the family says justifies continued detention.

“The circumstances surrounding the murder of Justine Shiweda were exceptionally violent and disturbing. She was shot seven times and further attacked with a corrosive substance. The severity and cruelty of this attack demonstrate a clear intention to cause maximum harm and justify continued detention of the accused pending trial,” said Nuukala.

The family further argued that the killing was planned and coordinated, not random.

“The attack on our sister Justine Shiweda was not random but was planned in advance and involved more than one individual. This increases concern that the accused persons acted deliberately and with coordination, which strengthens the need for continued custody until the trial is concluded,” Nuukala said.

She further said Shiweda served the justice system in her professional capacity and her death has caused deep concern within the community and among members of the public who rely on the justice system for protection.

“Granting bail in such a serious matter risks undermining public confidence in the administration of justice,” Nuukala added.

The petition raised alarm over possible witness intimidation, warning that there is a real concern that witnesses may be intimidated or influenced if the accused are released, especially as some State witnesses are known to the suspects.

Nuukala also said the family continues to live in fear following the killing.

“The family of Justine Shiweda continues to live with fear and emotional trauma following this tragic loss. The release of the accused persons would increase anxiety and fear among family members and the broader community,” said Nuukala.

Releasing the accused persons would further deepen the trauma already experienced by Shiweda’s children and undermine their sense of safety and stability, she noted.

Nuukala said the family maintains that the interests of justice require continued detention, urging the court to deny bail until the matter is finalised.

Shiweda was shot and doused with a corrosive substance on 17 October 2025, sustaining life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her injuries on 7 February 2026.

-Nampa