Oshakati: Oshakati-based herbalist Kenedy Thiongo Kasume, widely known as 'Dr Andrew', was denied bail on Tuesday during his first appearance in the Oshakati Magistrate's Court.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 42-year-old Kasume faces charges including attempted murder; the kidnapping of his housemate, Nahum Teofelus Shanyengadje, 28; discharging a firearm in a municipal area, and possession of a firearm without a licence.

Magistrate Mozay Jansen adjourned the case until 06 October 2025 to allow for further police investigation. A bail hearing is scheduled for 03 June 2025.

Prosecutor Shylock Lifasi Mulijani opposed the granting of bail, stating that the accused had committed a severe offence and that releasing him would not be in the public interest. Mulijani also raised concerns that Kasume might interfere with the ongoing investigation and with State witnesses.

The accused is being represented by Melvin Nyambe from Mukaya Nyambe Incorporated.

The Namibian Police Force's Commander for the Oshana Region, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, told Nampa the incident occurred two weeks ago in the residential area behind Ongwediva Mini Market, but the suspect was only arrested on Sunday.

Sakaria indicated that the accused shot the victim in the left thigh and left hand with a pistol during an argument over the victim moving out of their shared residence. The two had reportedly been in conflict, with the victim - who was also employed by the suspect - seeking alternative accommodation.

'On the day of the incident, the victim arrived with a vehicle to collect his belongings. When he informed the accused that he was leaving, the situation escalated,' Sakaria said.

Kasume allegedly struck the victim in the mouth, hit him on the head with the butt of a pistol and fired a warning shot into a wall, then shot the victim in the thigh. The same bullet injured the victim's left hand.