Allexer Namundjembo
A 59-year-old man accused of fatally shooting Onelago village headman Sam Nepando and injuring Iikokola village headman and National Planning Commission (NPC) executive director I-Ben Nashandi made his first court appearance in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The accused, Sinskus Johannes, was remanded in custody.
The case was postponed to allow the prosecution and defence to prepare further submissions.
The shooting occurred on 2 January during a community court session at Johannes’ homestead in the Oshikoto Region. The two traditional leaders had gone to address a land dispute.
An eyewitness, David Nangombe, told the Namibian Sun that the dispute centred on contested land in Iikokola village.
He said the traditional leaders were mediating when the suspect drew a firearm and opened fire.
Nepando died at the scene.
Nashandi was critically injured and taken to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and is reported to be in stable condition.
The Ondonga Traditional Authority condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous act of violence” against leaders who serve their communities to resolve disputes and promote peace.
The authority said community courts are rooted in customary traditions aimed at harmony and social cohesion.
A government delegation later visited Nepando’s widow to convey condolences and assure the family and community of support. The delegation included Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi, justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel and Swapo member of parliament Willem Amutenya.
Kathindi urged Namibians to respect the rule of law and resolve disputes peacefully.
Amutenya said the attack was not only against individuals but also against traditional authorities and the peace they represent.
Political parties also reacted. The Independent Patriots for Change said the shooting shows how community justice forums have become targets due to weak security.
IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge called for police presence at community court sessions, saying reliance on untrained volunteers leaves participants exposed.
Local leaders and residents described the incident as shocking. Onayena councillor Mateus Kamati asserted that dialogue, not violence, should resolve disputes. Family members of the victims remain in shock.
On Sunday, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa told the Windhoek Observer that the fatal shooting within the Ondonga Traditional Authority reflects systemic failures in the Communal Land Board. He warned that weaknesses in land dispute resolution structures continue to fuel violence.
