Stepfather admits killing 5-year-old stepson with a brick

Riddick Melchior Narib (32) pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the Windhoek High Court to the murder of his five-year-old stepson, Dantali Wilfried Eiseb, in Walvis Bay three years ago.

Narib admitted to unlawfully and intentionally killing Dantali on 6 January 2023 by repeatedly striking him on the head with a brick in the dunes of the Narraville area.

He initially attributed his actions to anger over his wife Memory Eises’ alleged infidelity, with whom he was separated at the time.

However, Narib later withdrew these claims after they were contested by the State.

Last year, Narib faced five charges, including murder, rape, kidnapping, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

On Tuesday, however, the prosecution announced that the kidnapping and rape charges would be withdrawn.

Narib has also pleaded guilty to defeating or obstructing the course of justice by burying the boy’s body in a shallow grave.

A mother’s anguish

After Narib tendered his plea, the State called the boy's mother, Memory Eises, as its first witness to the stand.

A visibly heartbroken Eises recounted her troubled relationship with Narib.

She said that while still married, they had separated by June 2023 due to his abusive behaviour, including physical assaults and verbal insults. Despite this, Dantali regarded Narib as a father figure and trusted him deeply, she told the court.

Eises described the harrowing day when Narib took Dantali from her sister’s care without permission. She rushed to the police station after being informed but was devastated to receive a chilling SMS from Narib that read, “It’s too late, I took your son’s life.”

Police were immediately alerted, and shortly after, a child’s body was discovered near the Walvis Bay welcome sign. “I could not recognise my son’s face; only his birthmark and the Christmas clothes I had bought for him gave him away,” she said, her voice breaking.

Holding up a photograph of Dantali in court, she described him as a hyperactive boy who brought immense joy to the family and did not deserve such a harrowing end.

Following her son's murder, Eises was hospitalised and diagnosed with depression.

She also struggled to cope with her three other children, avoiding them for two years to protect them from the painful reality of their brother’s death.

“All I want is justice for my son. Nothing can bring him back, but at least it will ease my heart,” Eises said.

The case was set to continue on Thursday.

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