State to pay medical bills of prosecutor who died after acid and gun attack

The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has confirmed it will cover all medical expenses of Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who died following a brutal attack while on duty.

In a letter dated 25 December 2025, the ministry stated that, as a responsible employer, the government of Namibia would provide the necessary financial support for Shiweda’s treatment.

“Ms Shiweda sustained injuries while on duty, and as a responsible employer, the government of Namibia, through this ministry, is providing the necessary financial support for her medical expenses,” the letter states.

Shiweda (31) was attacked by a group of assailants in October 2025 after refusing bail in a high-profile case involving former police officer-turned-alleged criminal Abner Mateus.

She spent four months in hospital and died due to complications from her injuries as a result of the assault, which included gunshot wounds and exposure to a corrosive acidic substance.

Oshana police regional commander Naftal Lungameni has confirmed that Shiweda was shot five times and that acid was thrown over her lower body.

“I can confirm that they threw acid at her lower body after being shot five times. So far I can confirm that we have in custody those we believe are responsible for her death,” he says.

Lungameni could, however, not provide further details on the nature of Shiweda’s injuries or the circumstances of the attack as the matter is currently before court.

A specialist physician who prefers to remain anonymous says acid continues to chemically burn tissue as long as it remains in contact, destroying cells and penetrating deeper into organs the longer the exposure lasts.

“Acid does not just irritate the body, it actively corrodes tissue, causing severe internal burns, airway swelling, perforation of organs, bleeding, shock, and in severe cases, organ failure,” the doctor says.

The physician says long-term complications include chronic swallowing difficulties, digestive problems, permanent voice and breathing complications, increased risk of cancers of the oesophagus, chronic pain, and severe psychological trauma.

“Survivors often require lifelong medical care, repeated surgeries, and ongoing psychological support, which is difficult to quantify in terms of cost,” the doctor says.

Ondangwa medical doctor Fillemon Nakanduungile has been charged with murder and conspiracy following Shiweda’s death.

The state has amended the original attempted murder charge to one of murder with common purpose, with a second count amended to conspiracy to commit murder.

Nakanduungile is accused of conspiring with a criminal gang that shot and threw acid at Shiweda on 17 October 2025.

He is among six accused in the case and remains in custody at Grootfontein Correctional Facility pending his next court appearance.

The Office of the Judiciary has strongly condemned the attack and described it as not merely an assault on one individual but on the rule of law and the justice system itself.

Chief justice Peter Shivute, alongside judicial and administrative staff, have extended condolences to Shiweda’s two children, her family, colleagues, and all touched by her remarkable life.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Ms Shiweda exemplified an unwavering commitment to justice, bravely discharging her responsibilities despite the many challenges inherent in her role,” the judiciary says in a public statement.

The ministry and the judiciary have both emphasised the need to safeguard public prosecutors, judicial officers and court staff, and called on the justice community to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law.

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