40 years in prison for raping, impregnating daughter

A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court after being found guilty of raping and impregnating his biological daughter.The man, a resident of Onalunike A village, was convicted on two counts of rape and sentenced to 20 years for each count, to be served consecutively.The victim was 17 years old at the time of the sexual assaults in 2020. Court documents show that she dropped out of school and faced stigma and trauma following the rape, which also led to the birth of a child. The baby later died in a fire. Delivering the sentence last week, magistrate Ruben Hamunyera said the court could not find any substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. He stressed the seriousness of the crime and what he described as the devastating impact on the victim. “The offence is serious and prevalent. There is nothing more degrading and humiliating than being raped by your father. The victim’s right to dignity was severely violated. The accused should have been the protector. Not the perpetrator,” Hamunyera stressed. Fleeing stigma amid trauma The court was informed that the woman now attends counselling sessions with the support of social workers.Her mother testified that the family was forced to relocate due to social stigma from the community.She pleaded with the court to impose a custodial sentence, saying that although she had forgiven her husband, the crime had deeply traumatised their daughter.No remorse The man maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying any involvement in the rape and showing no remorse.He pleaded not guilty in January 2024 but was convicted on 30 May this year.During sentencing, his defence lawyers highlighted the man’s role as a provider and father of 14 children, six of whom are still in school.He reportedly owns livestock and employs workers, whose salaries he pays. However, the court rejected these mitigating factors.The court also noted a plea from the perpetrator’s father, who requested a lighter sentence, citing his son’s extensive responsibilities, including supporting his parents, children, and livestock, as his wife is unemployed.However, Hamunyera found inconsistencies in the testimonies.The state was represented by Justine Ndapandula Shiweda.- tuyeimo@nmh-hub.com.na

40 years in prison for raping, impregnating daughter

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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40 years in prison for raping, impregnating daughter

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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