WINDHOEK – A Cameroonian national who pleaded guilty to using a forged work permit to enter and stay in Namibia was fined N$8 000.
If he fails to pay the fine, Ngu Tikum Herbert (31) could spend 18 months in jail, it was ordered by Magistrate Ingrid Unengu in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Herbert was arrested on December 18 and spent more than a month in custody. The law allows for immigration officials to keep foreigners in jail for an initial 24 days, but that period can be extended by a magistrate. This is in order for the immigration officials to determine the detainee’s place of origin and whether they are prohibited visitors or not. Herbert’s lawyer, Christian Nambahu read a plea statement to the court in which Herbert said that he came to Namibia in order to seek employment.
Upon his arrival in Namibia according to the statement, he went to an “agent” who affixed a work permit stamp into his passport for a fee of N$7 000. According to Nambahu his client is a first offender who pleaded guilty at the first opportunity that was presented to him and did not waste the court’s time. He said this was a sign of Herbert’s remorse and asked the court for mercy. Nambahu also told the court that Herbert stays with his Namibian girlfriend while in Namibia and assisted him financially and that the girlfriend is now seven months pregnant. He asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence, but rather a straight fine of N$5 000. State prosecutor Kandiwapa Nangombe told Unengu the seriousness of the offence can be ascertained by the penalty clause which makes provision for a fine of N$20 000 or a jail term of five years or both. She said Herbert showed a total disregard and disrespect for the laws of Namibia. According to Nangombe, Herbert has shown that he planned to stay in Namibia on a false permit by paying an agent N$7 000, while there was a chance to do things the legal way. Society expects that people convicted of such an offence should be punished harshly, said Nangombe. In sentencing Unengu said while the court appreciates the guilty plea, it does not negate the seriousness of the offence. She said offences of this nature are increasing alarmingly. “All persons in this country be they citizens or foreigners are expected to obey the law of the country,” she emphasised. According to Unengu the accused has shown disrespect and disregard for the laws of Namibia, a country that so hospitably allowed him to enter its borders.
By Roland Routh