Prisoner seeks parole after 28 years behind bars
Serving a life sentence
Immanuel Shikunga stabbed his employer 23 times with a knife before stealing his belongings, including his vehicle, nearly three decades ago.
A man who was sentenced to life imprisonment and has already spent 28 years in custody has approached the court to be released on parole. According to Namibian legislation, a person serving a life sentence must spend at least 25 years in custody before they can be considered for parole.
Immanuel Shikunga has been behind bars at the Windhoek Central Prison for the murder and robbery of Ian Scheepers about 29 years ago. Last year, he approached the Windhoek High Court with a request for his release, arguing that he is ready for release as he has completed all the necessary risk intervention programmes.
“I am deeply distressed by the severe prejudice caused by the prolonged delay in my parole release and my continued incarceration," he has told the court.
Parole roles
Under the Correctional Services Act No. 17 of 1998, the suitability for parole of a prisoner serving a life sentence is determined by the parole board. The board considers various factors, such as the prisoner’s behaviour, the progress of the prisoner’s rehabilitation and the nature of the crime, before making a decision.
Shikunga believes that despite meeting all the requirements, the authorities have not taken any steps to release him.
In his court submissions, Shikunga emphasises that he should be placed in a position that offers him the opportunity to rebuild his life for the benefit of his family and contribute positively to society.
Shikunga’s case was heard in the High Court this week to determine whether the respondents – including, among others, the safety and security minister Albert Kawana and the Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service, Raphael Hamunyela – will oppose his application.
None of the respondents have yet submitted their answering affidavits in response to Shikunga's claim.
Murder
Shikunga, who was 23 years old at the time of the murder, was employed by Scheepers. The post-mortem examination revealed that Scheepers had been stabbed 23 times with a knife. After the murder, Shikunga and his co-accused, Asser Singanda, loaded several items belonging to Scheepers into the deceased’s vehicle. The truck was later found abandoned outside Omaruru with bloodstains inside.
In court documents, Shikunga claimed that he had visited the deceased’s house to retrieve money that he alleged was owed to him. He stated that Scheepers had acted violently and attacked him, which led him to stab Scheepers in self-defense.
While Shikunga does not dispute the theft of the deceased’s belongings, he argues that it was done as compensation for the money he claimed was owed to him.
Immanuel Shikunga has been behind bars at the Windhoek Central Prison for the murder and robbery of Ian Scheepers about 29 years ago. Last year, he approached the Windhoek High Court with a request for his release, arguing that he is ready for release as he has completed all the necessary risk intervention programmes.
“I am deeply distressed by the severe prejudice caused by the prolonged delay in my parole release and my continued incarceration," he has told the court.
Parole roles
Under the Correctional Services Act No. 17 of 1998, the suitability for parole of a prisoner serving a life sentence is determined by the parole board. The board considers various factors, such as the prisoner’s behaviour, the progress of the prisoner’s rehabilitation and the nature of the crime, before making a decision.
Shikunga believes that despite meeting all the requirements, the authorities have not taken any steps to release him.
In his court submissions, Shikunga emphasises that he should be placed in a position that offers him the opportunity to rebuild his life for the benefit of his family and contribute positively to society.
Shikunga’s case was heard in the High Court this week to determine whether the respondents – including, among others, the safety and security minister Albert Kawana and the Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service, Raphael Hamunyela – will oppose his application.
None of the respondents have yet submitted their answering affidavits in response to Shikunga's claim.
Murder
Shikunga, who was 23 years old at the time of the murder, was employed by Scheepers. The post-mortem examination revealed that Scheepers had been stabbed 23 times with a knife. After the murder, Shikunga and his co-accused, Asser Singanda, loaded several items belonging to Scheepers into the deceased’s vehicle. The truck was later found abandoned outside Omaruru with bloodstains inside.
In court documents, Shikunga claimed that he had visited the deceased’s house to retrieve money that he alleged was owed to him. He stated that Scheepers had acted violently and attacked him, which led him to stab Scheepers in self-defense.
While Shikunga does not dispute the theft of the deceased’s belongings, he argues that it was done as compensation for the money he claimed was owed to him.
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