10 years for killing grandson over chicken

The Oshakati Regional Court on Friday sentenced an 81-year-old man to a 10-year prison term after he was found guilty of the 2012 murder of his grandson, whom he had stabbed to death with a traditional 'Omukondo' knife over a dead chicken.

Magistrate Leopoldt Hangalo sentenced Lukas Adalbert to 15 years' imprisonment, of which five years were suspended.

Adalbert could not contain his tears when he heard the sentence.

Hangalo last week found Adalbert guilty of the murder of Amutenya Mekondjo Julius (23) at Omagalanga in the Oshikuku area on 15 October 2012.

Adalbert and his grandson got into an argument over a chicken that Julius had killed.

Two witnesses, Adalbert's wife and one of his sons, testified that Adalbert had asked Julius why he had killed his chicken.

Adalbert first threw a punch at Julius, which missed.

He then chased Julius and when he caught up with him, he stabbed him in the heart with his traditional knife.

Julius was transported to a hospital, where he died.

Throughout the trial Adalbert maintained his innocence, claiming that he acted in self-defence.

Magistrate Hangalo disagreed, saying that the argument did not meet any of the requirements of self-defence.

The State was represented by prosecutor Nelao Ya France while Adalbert was represented by Petrine Hango from Dr Weder, Kauta and Hoveka law firm.

KENYA KAMBOWE