Oshakati
Monster, vampire and barbaric, were some of the words used by Judge Mafios Cheda, as she prepared to sentence a Sunday school teacher convicted of the murder of her three-year old relative.
Frieda Kalukuma (50), who appeared remorseless throughout court proceedings, was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison by the Oshakati High Court.
“To me, this was not proper. It is tantamount to asking a vampire to guard a veil of blood… I don’t know how you stood before Sunday school children, knowing that your hands are dirty with another child’s blood,” said the visibly emotional judge.
Although Kalukuma refused to shed light in court as to what transpired on the day in question, it is believed that her grand-niece, three-year old Kauna Sakaria, died between March 27 and 28, 2011 as a result of systematic abuse by Kalukuma.
Shocking photo evidence brought before court showed that Kauna suffered burns all over her body from hot water. It is believed she was also tortured and burned with hot coals.
The doctor, who testified in the matter told the court that Sakaria’s exact cause of death was a blow to her head. It is believed, wooden objects that were used as evidence in court, were the murder weapons.
“She looked upon you for protection as a child. How could you turn out to be a monster? This was a barbaric act. One would not expect a woman with children to administer such an attack on a child,” said Cheda.Before sentencing her, Cheda noted that although Kalukuma was a mother, whose husband had left her, the court had to balance her personal circumstances with public interest. Cheda also maintained that by objecting to her children buying a coffin for the late Sakaria, this was an obvious indication that Kalukuma had no remorse over her deeds.
Kalukuma remained expressionless throughout court proceedings and remained stone-faced, even after she was sentenced.
“The court will pass a sentence that will put you away for a very long time,” said Judge Cheda as she handed down a 30-year prison sentence for the murder of Kauna Sakaria.