NAU welcomes 25-year sentence for farmer's murderer

The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has welcomed the 25-year prison sentence handed down to Rodney Hoxobeb (29) for the brutal murder of Omaheke farmer Christof Mberitjiua Mungunda three years ago."This decisive ruling by judge Philanda Christiaan not only reaffirms Namibia&#039;s commitment to justice but also strengthens the core values upheld by our agricultural community: trust, respect and the sanctity of life,&#039; the union said in a statement this week.The case stems from Hoxobeb murdering his 66-year-old employer on 16 September 2022 while working on Mungunda’s farm at the Mberitjiwa post near Tallismanus.Hoxobeb pleaded guilty to four of the six charges against him, namely murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, reckless driving and driving without a valid driver’s licence.However, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder of his co-worker, Jerry Shitani, whom he allegedly tried to run over with Mungunda’s stolen Toyota bakkie. He also pleaded not guilty to the sixth charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.Events leading to murderDuring his High Court plea explanation, Hoxobeb told Christiaan that he acted out of retaliation on the night of the murder after asking his employer for food.He testified that he had told Mungunda that there was no food in his shack, but Mungunda had refused to help him.When he saw Mungunda standing at a water pump, Hoxobeb allegedly struck him several times on the head and neck with his homemade axe handle until he collapsed.Hoxobeb then went to Mungunda&#039;s house, where he stole several items, including a Toyota Hilux bakkie, a cellphone, a wristwatch, biscuits and 12 cans of fish.Hoxobeb admitted in court that he drove the stolen bakkie without a valid driver’s licence and in a reckless manner on a public road.The NAU said it stands united with the family, friends and the wider farming community who are mourning the loss of the late Mungunda.“His death was a profound tragedy – a breach of trust, a betrayal of decency, and a disillusioning reminder of the work still required to ensure dignity, security and justice for all those who live and work on Namibian farms.”– francoise@nmh.com.na

NAU welcomes 25-year sentence for farmer's murderer

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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NAU welcomes 25-year sentence for farmer's murderer

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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