Windhoek, Namibia: The family members of Eckhardt Mueller and Heimo Hellwig, former executives of the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), are still grappling with their tragic murders. The two were killed on 15 April 2019, at NIMT’s headquarters in Arandis by Ernst Lichtenstrasser, a former colleague. Sabine Hellwig, wife of Heimo Hellwig, testified in the Windhoek High Court during the final submissions before Lichtenstrasser’s sentencing.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the loss of her husband, with whom she had a five-year marriage, has been profoundly distressing. She highlighted Hellwig’s strong bond with Mueller, his commitment to family, and plans that were tragically cut short.

Dietlinde Jacobs, Mueller’s daughter, also shared her family’s struggle in coping with their loss. Mueller, who remarried after divorcing in 2007, lost his second wife shortly before his own death. Jacobs, a former NIMT employee, resigned following her father’s murder. She spoke of her father’s health, strength, and the impact his death has had on her mother and siblings. Meanwhile, Lichtenstrasser maintains his innocence despite his conviction. Deputy Prosecutor General Antonia Verhoef noted that Lichtenstrasser has a prior theft conviction from 1995.