Killer says murder was accidental

Joel Petrus, 34, who was convicted of killing Maria Erastus with a panga in Gobabis four years ago, maintains it was not his intention to kill her. He was convicted of murder with intent to kill in April this year.Testifying in mitigation of sentencing in the High Court yesterday, Petrus admitted that although he did not personally show remorse towards the family of the deceased, he had indeed asked for forgiveness from the family of the victim, the court and the Namibian nation from the dock.His family had also given N$4 000 in a gesture of support to Erastus’s family in their bereavement and for funeral arrangements.The case was postponed to today, when State Advocate Jackson Kautondokwa is expected to lead testimony in aggravation of sentencing.Petrus admitted having hacked Erastus with a panga, but said he did not intend to kill her and regretted his actions.Judge Alfred Siboleka found Petrus guilty of intentionally hacking Erastus to death. She was killed because of a “suspicious” text message on her phone.Petrus was convicted on 5 April of murder with direct intent, read with the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, for the death of Erastus on 4 or 5 August 2012.The medical report indicated that Erastus had four deep cut wounds to her face and neck as well as two stab wounds to her back.The wounds in her back penetrated her lungs and were fatal. The cuts to her face and neck severed major blood vessels, leading to massive and fatal bleeding, while also severing her spinal cord.Petrus is represented by Boris Isaacks on instructions from the Legal Aid Directorate.FRED GOEIEMAN

Killer says murder was accidental

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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Killer says murder was accidental

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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