The trial of Azaan Madisia (30) and Steven Malundu (24) is underway in the Windhoek High Court before Judge Christie Liebenberg. The siblings, charged with the murder of 21-year-old Walvis Bay resident, Shannon Wasserfall in April 2020, appeared before the court to enter their pleas.

In a surprising turn of events, the two accused pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and robbery but admitted guilt to defeating or obstructing the course of justice. Madisia also pleaded guilty to two counts of insurance fraud.

Madisia, through her legal aid lawyer, narrated that she and the deceased were friends and had an argument that led to a physical altercation, which resulted in the death of Wasserfall. Madisia stated that she was in a state of panic and had no choice but to ask her brother Malundu to help dispose of the body.

The two accused also apologized to the family of the deceased for their actions.

However, the state does not accept the "not guilty" pleas from the accused and seeks to call state witnesses. The two accused submitted their emotional side of the story in statements in accordance with Sections 112 and 115 of the Namibian Criminal Procedures Act.

The trial continues.