Protesters set ultimatum for magistrate’s ouster
Tunohole Mungoba
OSHAKATI
Community members yesterday took to the streets of Oshakati to protest against the involvement of local magistrate Leopold Hangalo in the sentencing of rape convict Sindano Hango whom the same magistrate had earlier acquitted, amid unverified claims of an exchange of bribes.
Upon review of an appeal brought by the State, the Oshakati High Court found Hango guilty of raping his cousin and referred the matter back to Hangalo for conviction.
Hango (38) was convicted of rape on 18 February and is currently out on N$10 000 bail while awaiting sentencing.
The protesters claim Hangalo will be biased during the sentencing.
In addition, they are against Hango being out on bail as the complainant was not informed to be present in court and give her views on bail as it is a domestic violence matter.
The group marched from Yetu Complex to Oshakati Magistrate’s Court and the petition was received by chief legal clerk Hilma Nangombe.
‘Incriminating evidence’
“Magistrate Leopold Hangalo acquitted Sindano Hango, despite incriminating evidence including evidence of SMSes printed out from MTC where he apologised for the act, plus tangible statements from eye witnesses that were valid enough to convict him,” read the petition.
“Why did the regional court magistrate grant the convicted rapist bail and with no conditions attached? What could happen between now and the sentencing date? Only God knows. What protection - if any - will be afforded to the complainant up until the sentencing stage, taking into consideration the history of this case?
“The background of this case should have been a valid reason to remand the rapist in jail,” one of the protesters, Iyaloo Nghandi, said.
Corruption
The petition also made reference to an ongoing corruption case registered against Hangalo where it is alleged that he received bribe money to give an acquittal judgement in the rape case.
The protesters also claim the first investigating officer of the case, Lavinia Shilongo, received bribes of N$10 000 to “play delaying tactics in having the offender arrested, trying to talk out the complainant from pursuing the matter and coercing her accept the bribe offered by the offender and his family”.
“As if she was not conflicted enough, Lavinia Shilongo then went further to testify on behalf of the accused during the trial in the regional court. What happened to the case that was opened against Lavinia Shilongo when she was attempting to defeat and obstruct the course of justice?” the petition asked.
The protesters have given the Magistrate’s Commission and all relevant offices seven working days to respond to their concerns.
According to a court report, the rape took place on 10 October 2014 at Uuvudhiya in Oshana Region. Hanga claimed the sexual intercourse was consensual and the victim seduced him after asking for money to see her boyfriend in Keetmanshoop, it read.
OSHAKATI
Community members yesterday took to the streets of Oshakati to protest against the involvement of local magistrate Leopold Hangalo in the sentencing of rape convict Sindano Hango whom the same magistrate had earlier acquitted, amid unverified claims of an exchange of bribes.
Upon review of an appeal brought by the State, the Oshakati High Court found Hango guilty of raping his cousin and referred the matter back to Hangalo for conviction.
Hango (38) was convicted of rape on 18 February and is currently out on N$10 000 bail while awaiting sentencing.
The protesters claim Hangalo will be biased during the sentencing.
In addition, they are against Hango being out on bail as the complainant was not informed to be present in court and give her views on bail as it is a domestic violence matter.
The group marched from Yetu Complex to Oshakati Magistrate’s Court and the petition was received by chief legal clerk Hilma Nangombe.
‘Incriminating evidence’
“Magistrate Leopold Hangalo acquitted Sindano Hango, despite incriminating evidence including evidence of SMSes printed out from MTC where he apologised for the act, plus tangible statements from eye witnesses that were valid enough to convict him,” read the petition.
“Why did the regional court magistrate grant the convicted rapist bail and with no conditions attached? What could happen between now and the sentencing date? Only God knows. What protection - if any - will be afforded to the complainant up until the sentencing stage, taking into consideration the history of this case?
“The background of this case should have been a valid reason to remand the rapist in jail,” one of the protesters, Iyaloo Nghandi, said.
Corruption
The petition also made reference to an ongoing corruption case registered against Hangalo where it is alleged that he received bribe money to give an acquittal judgement in the rape case.
The protesters also claim the first investigating officer of the case, Lavinia Shilongo, received bribes of N$10 000 to “play delaying tactics in having the offender arrested, trying to talk out the complainant from pursuing the matter and coercing her accept the bribe offered by the offender and his family”.
“As if she was not conflicted enough, Lavinia Shilongo then went further to testify on behalf of the accused during the trial in the regional court. What happened to the case that was opened against Lavinia Shilongo when she was attempting to defeat and obstruct the course of justice?” the petition asked.
The protesters have given the Magistrate’s Commission and all relevant offices seven working days to respond to their concerns.
According to a court report, the rape took place on 10 October 2014 at Uuvudhiya in Oshana Region. Hanga claimed the sexual intercourse was consensual and the victim seduced him after asking for money to see her boyfriend in Keetmanshoop, it read.
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