…As a Third Suspect Is Implicated In Unam Student’s Death

By: Annakleta Haikera

The family of the late 17-year-old Felix Disho Thikundeko, whose body was discovered in July at the Rudhiva village in the Kavango East, says the alleged ongoing ritual killings at the Shadikongoro, Mukwe constituency are due to poverty and money.

Speaking to the Villager of Wednesday as three men implicated in Thikundeko’s death made their court appearance, the family said that when people can’t afford basic needs, and someone approaches them with money, they feel they can end poverty by involving themselves in ritual killing.

Krasius Kathumbi Muyenga, a cousin to Thikundeko, said that residents at the Mukwe constituency know about Thikundeko’s death, but most, he says, choose to keep quiet and not say anything.

“People here are silent by being paid money and some groceries. I grew up here, and those 19 bodies that were found dead with some body parts missing, I am certain that many know what has happened to them but didn’t say anything,” he said.

Thikundeko became the 19th death at the infamous swamp in Mukwe, where reports of human-wildlife conflict have been raised. However, the former Unam students’ body was allegedly retrieved with multiple organs missing.

His father, Basilius Thikundeko, said the police should do a thorough investigation, stating he believes that more than three people are involved in the murder of his son.

This comes as a third suspect has been added to the list of suspects who allegedly killed Thikundeko.

Two suspects, Degwe Steven (22), and Kandere Alexander (36), made their second appearance, while the third, Thidjukwe Muduva (32), made his first court appearance at Mukwe periodical court and were denied bail on Wednesday morning.

“People think I am a bad person because their children are behind bars, but I have lost my son completely, and I will never see him again. At least during the court appearance, some of the suspects’ parents have access to see their sons during the court appearance, but with me, I only live with my son’s memory, whose life was snatched from him at an early age. Thikundeko was a smart and brave boy, and I know they planned his death. Many villagers point fingers at me that I got their loved ones arrested. We want to do what’s right, and somebody needed to be arrested for the crime committed against my son,” Basilius said.

Cecilia Munika, an aunt to Thikundeko, described him as a future leader at the Rudhiva village.

“He was a footballer, but because he had friends he didn’t know had bad intentions, he ended up being killed. I want justice to prevail, and whoever was involved in the murder of my nephew should be arrested and they should be sentenced to life imprisonment. That’s what they deserve. People should all learn not to snatch someone’s life because they want to eat or have money. Let’s learn to say no to crimes, and I plead with anyone at Mukwe if you know anyone involved in the murder of Thikundeko, please come forth and inform us.”

The murder suspects, Degwe Steven (22), Kandere Alexander (36) and Thidjukwe Muduva (32), had applied for legal aid, but their forms were not filled in. On Wednesday, they appeared before magistrate Bertha Nangula. They are faced with two charges each, murder and defeating the course of justice. The three suspect remains in custody until 8 December to allow the police investigation to be completed and pending lab results.

Following Thikundeko’s death in July, the Hambukushu Traditional Authority instructed bar owners at Shadikongoro village to close at 18h30. This order was taken to minimise alleged ritual killings. The order to close down bars was made by the Hambukushu Traditional Authority Fumu Erwin Mbambo. Mbambo believes restricting the bar’s operating hours will reduce ritual killing cases in his jurisdiction, which he says are on the increase.

The suspect had applied for legal aid, but their forms were not filled in. They appeared before magistrate Bertha Nangula.

They face two charges each, murder and defeating the course of justice. The three suspects remain in custody until 8 December 2022. Police investigation still not done, lab results pending.