By Nuusita Ashipala
OSHAKATI – A 39-year-old woman almost broke down in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court yesterday as she narrated how her husband abused her during the several years they spent together before they finally got married in 2005. But ironically her abuse of him led to her having to spend time behind bars.
Testifying on her own behalf in mitigation of sentence after being found guilty on two counts – violating a protection order against her and also for assaulting a police constable on duty – Ramirez Eliana Fernada recounted the suffering she endured at the hands of her husband.
“I suffered because I loved this man so much. I had to hide and protect my children, but he was brutal with me in the house but I never reported him to the police,” recounted Fernada.
The mitigation of sentence hearing that sounded like a love story turned badly sour further informed that her husband who is the complainant, Peliganga Catarino, would disappear for two to three weeks from their matrimonial home and he would go and come as he pleased.
Fernada recounted that even when a restriction order was issued against her, Catarino who has custody of their two children did not have their children’s interest at heart.
“When they are sick, it is my job to get them to hospital; when they have problems at school I attend to them; there are times that these children bunk school for almost a week,” she said.
Holding back her tears Fernada further informed the court she went insane for almost 18 months because of the abuse she endured.
“This is hurtful, sometimes I cry, why doesn’t he just divorce me and tell my family that he doesn’t want me anymore?” questioned the teary Fernada.
With barely a day before Valentine’s Day, Fernada’s abusive relationship was struck another blow when she was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or alternatively a fine of N$2 000 for violating the restriction order and three months’ imprisonment or alternatively a fine of N$800 for assaulting a police constable.
Evidence brought before court earlier indicated Catarino sought a protection order against Fernada who assaulted and abused him in their intimate relationship.
Although she remained firm throughout the court proceedings that she was guilty, Fernada is said to have violated the terms stipulated in her court order when she visited her husband’s home on July 18 and 21 last year and also when she visited his work.
The court before sentencing took cognizance of the recounted circumstances as well as the fact she was a first time offender.
However, because Fernada was silent on the fact she abused her husband, nor did she dispute the fact she assaulted a police officer on duty and she violated the protection order, counted against her.
Fernada is a mother of two and survives from selling fish after she lost her job at Fysal Fresh Produce.
Magistrate Helena Ekandjo presided while Petrine Hango prosecuted.