Rape sentences 'too compassionate'
The Popular Democratic Movement Women's League (PDMWL) has expressed concern about the lenient sentences being meted out to rapists.
It said these sentences are too compassionate, considering the grievous harm done to rape victims and society at large.
“We feel there is a need for the country's legal system to start looking at rape, especially, as a serious crime that deserves the harshest of sentences, among other crimes,” said PDMWL secretary-general Loide Iipinge.
She said recent cases of young girls being raped by adult relatives when left under their care are disturbing to say the least, and should be a warning to all parents and guardians to take better care of their children.
Iipinge said in most cases the damage rape causes to victims is something they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives, while perpetrators walk away free or are given mere fines.
“We feel that these unperturbed sentences are encouraging perpetrators to continuously engage in these hideous acts, with the full knowledge that they will not face any heavy punishment for doing so.”
The PDMWL called on Namibian society, the gender ministry and all stakeholders to rigorously engage in awareness programmes and campaigns, in order to educate would-be victims about how to avoid rape.
It also commended the police for their unwavering investigations and quick apprehension of perpetrators.
“We would want to urge them to continue to do so, while we advocate for stiffer penalties for offenders.”
The nation was shocked last week, when it came to light that a 24-year-old man who is accused of raping and mutilating a nine-year-old girl has a string of former rape and an attempted rape case pending against him, for which he received bail.
Gewen Gawa-nab also faced previous gender-based violence and assault charges, which were withdrawn.
He appeared in the Katutura Magistrate's Court last week for the alleged rape of the young girl.
It is alleged that Gawa-nab cut the girl's genitals with a knife before raping her. The attack occurred at Farm Satan Locht in the Khomas Region.
Gawa-nab was charged with the rape of a minor and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The case was postponed to 5 December. Gawa-nab will also appear for another rape case on the same day.
ELLANIE SMIT
It said these sentences are too compassionate, considering the grievous harm done to rape victims and society at large.
“We feel there is a need for the country's legal system to start looking at rape, especially, as a serious crime that deserves the harshest of sentences, among other crimes,” said PDMWL secretary-general Loide Iipinge.
She said recent cases of young girls being raped by adult relatives when left under their care are disturbing to say the least, and should be a warning to all parents and guardians to take better care of their children.
Iipinge said in most cases the damage rape causes to victims is something they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives, while perpetrators walk away free or are given mere fines.
“We feel that these unperturbed sentences are encouraging perpetrators to continuously engage in these hideous acts, with the full knowledge that they will not face any heavy punishment for doing so.”
The PDMWL called on Namibian society, the gender ministry and all stakeholders to rigorously engage in awareness programmes and campaigns, in order to educate would-be victims about how to avoid rape.
It also commended the police for their unwavering investigations and quick apprehension of perpetrators.
“We would want to urge them to continue to do so, while we advocate for stiffer penalties for offenders.”
The nation was shocked last week, when it came to light that a 24-year-old man who is accused of raping and mutilating a nine-year-old girl has a string of former rape and an attempted rape case pending against him, for which he received bail.
Gewen Gawa-nab also faced previous gender-based violence and assault charges, which were withdrawn.
He appeared in the Katutura Magistrate's Court last week for the alleged rape of the young girl.
It is alleged that Gawa-nab cut the girl's genitals with a knife before raping her. The attack occurred at Farm Satan Locht in the Khomas Region.
Gawa-nab was charged with the rape of a minor and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The case was postponed to 5 December. Gawa-nab will also appear for another rape case on the same day.
ELLANIE SMIT
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