… As this year’s death toll from senseless killings reach 12
WINDHOEK/ONAMAHOKA – Cabinet’s resolution that no bail be granted to perpetrators of so-called crimes of passion comes at a time when an Onamahoka village woman who survived attempts to hack her to death is living in fear of her former partner who has just been released on bail of N$800, and making renewed threats to kill her.
The Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court granted bail of N$800 to Asser Fudila, who is charged with attempting to hack off the head and hands of Rosalia Ndiitu with a panga in 2012.
Ohangwena Region Police Commissioner Trevis Kampolo has asked the family to go back to the police and reopen the case, promising to handle the case himself if need be. “If the family felt that they are not being taken seriously they should have contacted the station commander or should contact me directly,” said Kampolo.
Cabinet has resolved to amend the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 to tighten requirements for bail to persons charged with committing ‘crimes of passion’. Cabinet is also seeking longer prison terms for those convicted of such crimes, to extend witness protection to those who testify against the perpetrators of violent crimes and that the investigation of such crimes be fast tracked for a speedy trial. The Cabinet resolutions are from a special meeting that President Hifikepunye Pohamba convened to specifically discuss the escalating cases of gruesome crimes of passion and gender-based violence.
Yesterday the President, while attending the consecration of ELCIN Bishop Dr Veikko Munyika in Ongwediva, appealed for the church’s help in the fight against such grisly violence saying the current state “is a cause of great concern for all of us” and that “the church stands in a special position and it should continue to teach its congregations and members about the values of self-respect and respect of others.”
The President added: “From January 1, 2014 until February 23, 2014, the number of women who were killed by their so-called lovers was 12.
“Number 12 was killed yesterday afternoon. I do not know how many were killed today and last night. The only solution is a prayer.”
Cabinet has also asked for the provision of mandatory counselling to all persons who have committed gender-based violence as well as for the surviving victims such as Ndiitu, who now says she has no peace and lives in constant fear. She has to be escorted wherever she goes, even when she goes to the toilet.
Ndiitu’s arms, head and back are covered with big scars. She always keeps her head covered with a cap and wig, while she also folds her arms to conceal scars. Her six-year-old boy who was four years old when he witnessed his father’s attack on his mother has grown into a reclusive troubled young boy who cries when asked about his father.
Namibian Police Inspector General, Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga yesterday condemned the bail granted in the case, stopping short of accusing the justice system of mocking an otherwise serious and sensitive matter. “These matters should not be taken lightly. These people, granted bail for whatever reason, should not be given such light bail. Bail should be set so high so that even they cannot afford it and if such threats are reported to the police, a case should be opened and that person should be immediately picked up and re-arrested,” said Ndeitunga promising to follow up with the police in the region.
Perhaps the lucky survivor this weekend is a pregnant woman who is now receiving medical attention in Katutura Hospital after surviving multiple stabbings to her body, including the belly, at the hands of her partner. Pohamba has called for a national day of prayers on March 6, starting at 10h00.
“The lives of too many women and girls have been destroyed or disrupted. Too much pain and suffering have been caused. The carnage must stop, and it must stop immediately,” mourned the President at the Cabinet meeting.
• Additional reporting by Helvy Shaanika in Oshakati.
By Magreth Nunuhe and Kakunawe Shinana