Namibian woman accused of murder to remain in custody
Nambwa Matengu, 38, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and arson after a fatal fire in Katima Mulilo.
Katima Mulilo resident Nambwa Matengu, 38, will spend Christmas in custody after appearing in court on Thursday, accused of setting her flatmate's room ablaze in August. Nsala Mwazi, 42, died in the fire while trying to push her two daughters to safety through burglar windows. The state alleges Matengu used petrol to start the fire at approximately 00:34 on August 24 in the Shackdweller location, blocking Mwazi's escape route from the outside.
Matengu faces charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson. She informed the court she is awaiting a state legal aid lawyer. State prosecutor Cedric Mundia opposed bail, citing ongoing investigations and public interest. Magistrate Davy Kambinda postponed the case to February 8 for the accused to receive legal representation and for investigations to proceed.
Family and friends of the deceased gathered at the court to protest any possibility of Matengu being released on bail. Matengu has been in custody since her arrest. The court heard that the police found a 5-liter container smelling of petrol near Mwazi's bedroom door.
Why it mattersNambwa Matengu faces murder and arson charges for allegedly killing her flatmate and endangering her two daughters in Katima Mulilo.