Allexer Namundjembo
The death of Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda has left Namibians shaken and many within the justice system fear for their safety.
Shiweda died on Saturday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where she had been hospitalised since October last year after she was shot and attacked with corrosive acid while preparing to go to work in Ondangwa.
She fought for her life for four months before succumbing to her injuries.
The Namibia Law Association (NLA) says the death of Shiweda is an attack on the justice system and the rule of law.
Gebhardt said the killing was not only an attack on Shiweda as an individual but also on all legal practitioners who carry out their duties without fear or favour.
“If these allegations are confirmed, this attack constitutes a direct assault on the administration of justice and the rule of law. The independence and safety of prosecutors and legal practitioners are fundamental to a functioning justice system,” Gebhardt said.
He extended condolences to Shiweda’s children, family, colleagues and the Ondangwa community.
“We mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant who carried out her duties with courage and commitment,” he said.
The NLA said attempts to intimidate, corrupt or silence legal practitioners pose a risk to the integrity of the justice system. Gebhardt also expressed concern about delays and weaknesses in the bail system.
The association called for a full, independent and speedy investigation into Shiweda’s attack and death.
Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa described Shiweda as an outstanding prosecutor who died in the line of duty while upholding her integrity.
Imalwa delivered a tribute to Shiweda’s family at her parents’ home in Onambango village on Sunday.
She said Shiweda was carrying out her professional responsibilities and assured the family that the justice system would ensure her death is not in vain.
Shiweda’s death has intensified debate over whether prosecutors working in high-risk environments are adequately protected.
Fear grips legal community
Prominent lawyer Kadhila Amoomo said the attack has shaken the legal profession and called for serious reflection within the judiciary and the wider legal community.
“The foundation of our judiciary has been shaken to the core. All Namibian lawyers must immediately put down their tools and introspect on how this should never ever happen again in our country,” Amoomo said.
He warned that such incidents could discourage young people from pursuing careers in prosecution and public service.
“Our children must never fear that to be a prosecutor is to pay for it with your life,” he said.
Amoomo also called on the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations to initiate a reparations process for Shiweda’s family, saying the state has a duty to protect its judicial officers.
“For their failure to protect our colleague, the ministry must immediately commence with a reparations process to compensate the family for the sake of her children,” he said.
Shiweda died at the age of 32, leaving behind two young children who will now grow up without their mother.
Swapo member of parliament Willem Amutenya said the killing reflected a broader failure to protect human life and dignity.
“A life full of promise has been stolen, something that can never be replaced or undone. No ambition, no opportunity, no material gain is worth the destruction of a human life or the lifelong pain left behind,” Amutenya said.
He said society must place greater value on people’s emotional and physical well-being and ensure that humanity comes before all other priorities.
Investigators believe Shiweda was targeted because of her work as a prosecutor, following an attempted bribe aimed at persuading her to withdraw the state’s opposition to bail for an accused person.
Chief inspector Antonius Gabriel of the Oshana police testified in court earlier this year that the acid caused severe injuries, saying it was “fast eating her skin” and left her badly burnt and in extreme pain as doctors treated her wounds.
In the wake of her death, the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations announced plans to review and strengthen security arrangements for prosecutors and other officers of the court.
The ministry’s executive director, Audrin Mathe, said the attack on Shiweda was an attack on the country’s justice institutions and posed a serious threat to the rule of law.
“The safety and security of our prosecutors and all officers of the court are of paramount importance. The ministry will be reviewing and reinforcing security measures to ensure their protection,” Mathe said on Saturday.
He added, “The attack on Justine Shiweda was an attack on the entire justice system. We will not be intimidated by such cowardly acts.”
The ministry said it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He described Shiweda as a dedicated public servant who played a key role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
