Killer says sorry with cattle
A Windhoek man who killed another at a bar said he had compensated the family of the deceased with 12 head of cattle as a token of his remorse.
Joshua Hituamata (32), who was convicted of murder by the Windhoek High Court on 24 February, on Tuesday apologised to the family of Nathanael Mushihange Showa (28).
During the presentation of evidence in mitigation of sentencing, Hituamata said he regretted the night about four years ago that led to the shooting.
According to court records, on 12 July 2013 in Windhoek's Okuryangava residential area, Hituamata shot Showa following an argument over jackpot winnings of N$164.
Hituamata claimed ownership of a portion (N$100), while Showa felt the whole amount belonged to him.
Hituamata first shot Showa in the arm, and then in the head when he fell to the ground.
Hituamata, who has been in prison for four years awaiting the finalisation of his trial, told the court that he hardly slept at night because of his feelings of guilt.
He pleaded with the court for a lighter sentence, claiming he was acting in self-defence and had no intention to kill Showa.
He said besides the cattle given to the family, he had also contributed to the burial costs.
The court disputed his claim of self-defence, stating that when Hituamata was shooting at Showa, he aimed at the most vulnerable parts of the body, namely the head and chest, which clearly indicated that he intended to kill.
State prosecutor Ethel Ndlovu said the only reason Hituamata was showing remorse was to sway the court to give him a lighter sentence for a serious crime.
Hituamata is expected to be sentenced later this week after the court has gone through all the submissions.
Judge Naomi Shivute presided over the case, with lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji representing Hituamata.
NAMPA
Joshua Hituamata (32), who was convicted of murder by the Windhoek High Court on 24 February, on Tuesday apologised to the family of Nathanael Mushihange Showa (28).
During the presentation of evidence in mitigation of sentencing, Hituamata said he regretted the night about four years ago that led to the shooting.
According to court records, on 12 July 2013 in Windhoek's Okuryangava residential area, Hituamata shot Showa following an argument over jackpot winnings of N$164.
Hituamata claimed ownership of a portion (N$100), while Showa felt the whole amount belonged to him.
Hituamata first shot Showa in the arm, and then in the head when he fell to the ground.
Hituamata, who has been in prison for four years awaiting the finalisation of his trial, told the court that he hardly slept at night because of his feelings of guilt.
He pleaded with the court for a lighter sentence, claiming he was acting in self-defence and had no intention to kill Showa.
He said besides the cattle given to the family, he had also contributed to the burial costs.
The court disputed his claim of self-defence, stating that when Hituamata was shooting at Showa, he aimed at the most vulnerable parts of the body, namely the head and chest, which clearly indicated that he intended to kill.
State prosecutor Ethel Ndlovu said the only reason Hituamata was showing remorse was to sway the court to give him a lighter sentence for a serious crime.
Hituamata is expected to be sentenced later this week after the court has gone through all the submissions.
Judge Naomi Shivute presided over the case, with lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji representing Hituamata.
NAMPA
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article