American nationals Marcus Thomas and Kevan Townsend convicted last year of the murder of Namibian André Heckmair, are appealing their sentences in the Windhoek High Court.

Appearing before Judge Christie Liebenberg yesterday, the two men were informed that a ruling in their appeal would be delivered on 9 September. After their convictions, Thomas was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment, while Townsend was sentenced to 29 years imprisonment.

The sentences are in connection with the Heckmair murder in Windhoek on 07 January 2011.

Heckmair was killed in a quiet street in Klein Windhoek with a single gunshot to the head. His body was discovered in his vehicle.

During sentencing, Judge Liebenberg found that the duo’s motive was still unknown and that they were not forthcoming with information pertaining to the murder of Heckmair, who at the time of his murder was visiting his family for the holidays. He was based in Switzerland at the time.

The two men were also charged for illegally importing firearms and possessing firearms and ammunition without a licence. 

The judge in addition found that the two Americans travelled from the United States of America with one goal in mind, to track down and kill Heckmair. He further found that the two men showed no remorse during the trial.

“They appear unfazed by the crimes they committed and the consequences to others,” Liebenberg noted.

Heckmair was also robbed of 100 Swiss francs. The judge maintained that murder and robbery are prevalent in society and as such, it weighed against the two in sentencing.

The two men were trial-awaiting prisoners for 13 years before they were sentenced last year. 

–Nampa