Africa-Press – Namibia. “Take care of them; I’ll be here for long”, were the reassuring words spoken by the late Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda while in hospital on 31 October 2025 in reference to her two children.
Shiweda was optimistic that she would recover to provide for her children.
Family members shared Shiweda’s words with this publication, saying it reflected her hope, strength and belief that she would survive the brutal attack she endured.
Her spirit never broke, as she was optimistic about recovering from injuries she suffered in an attack in which she was shot and corrosive substances were poured over her body on 17 October 2025.
According to the police, her attackers first shot her before dousing her with acid, causing severe injuries, in an incident that is viewed by many as an attack on the heart of Namibia’s Judiciary and criminal justice system.
However, it was not to be. Shiweda died on Sunday in a Windhoek hospital after months in the ICU.
Although relatives indicated that it is still too early for them to comment in detail, they said they genuinely believed Shiweda was going to pull through.
Her death has since plunged the justice fraternity and the nation into mourning.
During the visit to Shiweda’s parents’ house at Onambango, Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa voiced deep frustration over the increasing levels of violent crime in Namibia, warning that urgent and tight measures are needed before it is too late.
“If we do not act decisively, criminals will take over this country,” Imalwa said.
She strongly condemned the brutal attack, citing its seriousness and the clear intent behind it. Imalwa said whoever carried out the attack had the intention to kill, noting that one does not mix two dangerous and poisonous substances merely to attack a person.
“This was deliberate,” she said.
Imalwa described Shiweda as a calm and dedicated prosecutor who would never refuse to carry out any duty assigned to her.
“She served with commitment and humility. It is deeply painful that her life had to be cut short by criminals for their own benefit,” Imalwa said sadly.
She further called on the Namibian Police to work closely with prosecutors, judges and magistrates to ensure that all those behind the crime are identified, arrested and brought to justice.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge, who also addressed mourners at Onambango, described the incident as “hell on earth”.
Iipinge said Shiweda’s death not only affected her family but touched Namibians at large, particularly those serving within the justice system. He further confirmed that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Shiweda while she was still hospitalised.
Just as everyone is shocked and angered by the prosecutor’s death, political leaders and parties have also voiced their condolences and concern. The spokesperson of the Landless People’s Movement, Lifalaza Simataa, expressed great sadness over the circumstances surrounding Shiweda’s passing.
LPM extended heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, mourning the loss of an ethical and capable agent of the law.
The party called for the criminals involved to be brought to justice to send a strong message that attacks on law enforcers, especially in front of their children, will not go unpunished.
They urged the government and police to strengthen efforts to protect those who uphold the law and prevent such tragedies in the future.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
