The Eenhana Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a sister and brother to five years imprisonment for the brutal assault and chaining of their 13-year-old nephew.

The accused, Sakaria Shimbili and Susan Nghipitwako, were found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The offence, committed in 2020 near Epembe village, was carried out against their nephew, who is now 18 years old.

Magistrate Helvi Shilemba handed down the sentence on Monday, following a thorough prosecution led by Pallhus Shuudeni.

Shilemba stated that the court has a duty to protect the vulnerable, adding that what was done to the child was inhumane and completely unacceptable.

The court emphasised the seriousness of the offence and delivered a strong message against domestic violence, particularly when children are involved.

The victim’s mother, who testified as a State witness, told the court she would not forgive her siblings for destroying her son’s life. She said the assault had left him with permanent damage to his reproductive organs.

According to court documents, the victim, who was 13 at the time of the incident, was severely assaulted and chained in what prosecutors described as “a cruel and degrading act”.

The victim, whose name is being withheld to protect his identity, reportedly endured sustained physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his maternal aunt and uncle, who were meant to care for him.

Both accused were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years, on the condition that they are not convicted of a similar offence — such as attempted murder, assault, or assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm — during the period of suspension.

The matter has now been finalised, and the convicted pair have begun serving their sentences.

-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na