Iuze Mukube
A 25-year-old man from Gobabis, who was convicted for murder and two counts of attempted murder, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment by Windhoek High Court Acting Judge Makapa Simasiku on Monday.
Denzel Xavier Dawids was convicted on 22 September 2025 for the death of Yolande Regina McCullum after hitting her with his Toyota Hilux on 01 October 2023.
In addition, he was also convicted for attempting to murder Percival McCallum and Caden Snyders by driving at full speed towards a stationary BMW that the two were in, hence, colliding with it.
It was in this wanton disregard for life and safety that the deceased met her demise, paying with her own life after pushing her son, Percival, out of harm’s way.
The core of the matter was that Dawids, after an altercation at a club with Percival and Snyders, followed them, and subsequently drove directly into their car which was stationed in front of a residence.
He was tried on the charges of murder (dolus eventualis), two counts of attempted murder, three counts of common assault and malicious damage to property.
Judge Simasiku gave Dawids the following sentences; 18 years’ imprisonment for murder, of which four years’ imprisonment was suspended for five years on condition he is not convicted for murder during the period of suspension.
In addition, a sentence of five-years each for the two counts of attempted murder. Dawids then received three months’ imprisonment for one count of common assault and six months’ imprisonment each for the other two counts of common assault.
For the last count of malicious damage to property, Dawids was given a fine of N$2000 or six months’ imprisonment, in the event of failure to pay the fine. Additionally, the judge ordered that the sentences for the two counts of attempted murder will be served together with the sentence on murder.
In a nutshell, of the murder count, he will serve 14-years, in addition with the counts of common assault, he will serve a total of 15 years’ imprisonment and three months. In the event Dawids fails to pay the fine for the count of malicious damage to property, the total sentence will be 15-years and 9 months.
The judge, in his sentence, noted that the accused’s utter disregard for human life, shown by his indifference after the incident and his unprovoked assaults on others, highlights his volatile and dangerous temperament.
“His behaviour demonstrates a blatant disregard for life and safety, warranting a severe custodial sentence to ensure accountability, deterrence and the protection of society,” he added.
He further said that the post-collision utterances by the accused that he did not care whom he bumped, showed a total, reckless disregard for human life.
Simasiku also pointed out the severity of the accused’s actions, noting the deceased was the sole breadwinner for her four children, including a three-year-old and that her death had a devastating emotional and financial impact on her family. “The deceased’s selfless act of saving her son at the cost of her own life reflects a mother’s profound love and courage,” Judge Simasiku said. –mukubeiuze@gmail.com