In-laws destroy homestead
Six people have been charged with malicious damage to property for demolishing a widow's homestead in the Oshana Region.
Three senior citizens were among six suspects who appeared in the Oshakati Magistrate's Court for allegedly demolishing a homestead at Omagongati village in the Oshana Region.
Jacobine Shivolo (68), Aina Petrus (78) Naoh Shikeyengo (63), Helena Shikongo (44), Kahamba Mwanyangapo (23) and Nauyoma Erastus were granted bail of N$800 each.
They are charged with malicious damage to property, read in conjunction with the Combating of Domestic Violence Act.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday after they allegedly demolished a homestead belonging to Victoria Shikeyengo, the widow of their late family member.
The six are the relatives of Victoria's late husband, Sackaria Shikeyengo, who died earlier this month.
Victoria told Namibian Sun she got married in 2006 and they had been living at the homestead since then, and had two children together. She said her husband died on 14 February and was buried on 17 February.
“After the funeral on a Sunday, they told me they were only giving me until Tuesday, 19 February to vacate the house, otherwise they would chase me away.
They are claiming that the land on which the house is situated is family land; therefore I have to vacate it so they can take their land back,” Victoria said.
“I did not comply with what they told me and Saturday at around 04:00 they came in the morning and started demolishing the house. The house boundary was made of corrugated iron sheets and they said they would take some of the sheets with them. They demolished everything.” Victoria said while the suspects were demolishing the property, she called the police and the regional councillor.
They arrived after the house had been demolished.
The police arrested the six suspects. Noah and Petrus are the late husband's sisters.
Ondangwa Rural constituency councillor Kaushiweni Abraham said they were shocked by the incident, adding his office would see how it could assist Victoria and her children.
He said he had received a report from the neighbours that everything was taken from the house, including mahangu and other foodstuff.
“I will see how our office will assist Victoria and her children, because they really need our help. I am urging members of the public to first seek help before committing things that may lead them into trouble,” Abraham added.
The case was postponed to 16 April for further police investigation.
ILENI NANDJATO
Jacobine Shivolo (68), Aina Petrus (78) Naoh Shikeyengo (63), Helena Shikongo (44), Kahamba Mwanyangapo (23) and Nauyoma Erastus were granted bail of N$800 each.
They are charged with malicious damage to property, read in conjunction with the Combating of Domestic Violence Act.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday after they allegedly demolished a homestead belonging to Victoria Shikeyengo, the widow of their late family member.
The six are the relatives of Victoria's late husband, Sackaria Shikeyengo, who died earlier this month.
Victoria told Namibian Sun she got married in 2006 and they had been living at the homestead since then, and had two children together. She said her husband died on 14 February and was buried on 17 February.
“After the funeral on a Sunday, they told me they were only giving me until Tuesday, 19 February to vacate the house, otherwise they would chase me away.
They are claiming that the land on which the house is situated is family land; therefore I have to vacate it so they can take their land back,” Victoria said.
“I did not comply with what they told me and Saturday at around 04:00 they came in the morning and started demolishing the house. The house boundary was made of corrugated iron sheets and they said they would take some of the sheets with them. They demolished everything.” Victoria said while the suspects were demolishing the property, she called the police and the regional councillor.
They arrived after the house had been demolished.
The police arrested the six suspects. Noah and Petrus are the late husband's sisters.
Ondangwa Rural constituency councillor Kaushiweni Abraham said they were shocked by the incident, adding his office would see how it could assist Victoria and her children.
He said he had received a report from the neighbours that everything was taken from the house, including mahangu and other foodstuff.
“I will see how our office will assist Victoria and her children, because they really need our help. I am urging members of the public to first seek help before committing things that may lead them into trouble,” Abraham added.
The case was postponed to 16 April for further police investigation.
ILENI NANDJATO
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