Petrus Shoopala, Shannon Wasserfall’s boyfriend today testified in the Windhoek High court, narrating the events that ensued, the last time he saw her alive.
Shoopala, a state witness, took to the stand to testify in the criminal trial of siblings, Azaan Madisia(30) and Steven Malundu, who are accused of murdering Wasserfall(22) and burying her in a shallow grave, in the Walvis Bay dunes, a few meters away from Dunes mall.
In his testimony, Shoopala said that Madisia is a friend of his and that they used to attend the same church.
On that fateful day, he said he went for a morning jog and left the deceased sleeping.
“When I came back I undressed and went to bed.I then fell asleep and Shannon started doing the laundry. When I woke up she was almost done so I helped her clean up,” he told the court.
Wasserfall’s decomposed body was found 6 months after she was reported missing, in April 2020. Wasserfall’s missing persons report and subsequent murder sent shockwaves across the country and at the time sparked a National protest against gender based violence, under the #Shutitdown movement. Scores of young people protested around the country, prompting arrests of about 20 youth, including the detention of three journalists. The Movement later received an international African Union award on GBV, worth over N$60 000 as a result of the protest.
Defense Lawyer Albert Titus represents Madisia. Yesterday at the start of the trial, the state called its first witness, Chief Investigator Jacobus Viljoen.
It is further Shoopala’s testimony he and the deceased were at home with their then two year old son and his eldest son who was visiting.
While inside the flat, Shoopala says he gave his son a haircut and Madisia arrived at the flat to collect Wasserfall, around 13H00.
Shoopala says Wasserfall, on the day she went missing wore white shorts, put leggings in the same backpack she put their son’s nappies when Madisia collected them and drove away with them (Wasserfall and son) to her parent’s home. According to him, the deceased wore a black top.
He further testified that Madisia picked Wasserfall up with her work vehicle, a Ford Bakkie.
“The deceased was just supposed to visit Madisia and she was supposed to have been dropped back to my flat. The plan was that our son would stay over at the accused house for the weekend”, Shoopala said.
According to Shoopala, Madisia was like a family friend who they entrusted her with their son as she loved him. Media reports suggest that Shoopala and Madisia were previously in a romantic relationship.
The trial is continuing before Judge Christie Liebenberg. Meanwhile, the suspects have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. State Advocate Henry Muhongo represents the state.
