Iuze Mukube
A 32-year-old resident of Khorixas who was convicted of brutally murdering his girlfriend with a pickaxe, expressed deep remorse for returning to her home – the same home the police had removed him from earlier that day.
Barnabas Nawaseb faced charges of housebreaking with intent to commit murder, and murder in connection with the death of Metisia Tanises, which took place between 20 and 21 December 2022 in Khorixas.
He was only convicted of murder with direct intent on 25 April 2025 by Judge Claudia Claasen in Windhoek High Court. He is yet to be sentenced.
During mitigation proceedings last Friday, Nawaseb told the court that he had no intention of committing the offence.
He explained that after Tanises contacted the police and requested his removal from their shared residence following an argument, he had no intention of returning, especially after being warned not to do so.
The accused stated he felt bad and restless because he chopped and hit the person he loved, causing her death, but remained adamant that it was never his intention for things to happen that way, and insisted he had no intention to cause her harm.
He said that later that same day, Tanises, the mother of four children, two of whom are his, came to fetch him and take him back to her shared residence.
“I was at home at my mother’s house. I was fetched by Tanises to her house, and I never knew that something like that would happen when I went back with her to her place.”
He said, “If a human being was structured in such a way that they are able to know or foresee what would happen in future, I would not have accompanied her back to her place.”
He added that he grew up without a father and now, as a result of his actions, he is in prison.
Nawaseb emphasised he knew the difficulties of growing up without a father and that is something he never wished for his children.
He was the sole breadwinner, and financially supported the deceased and their children.
Nawaseb pointed out that he had not been granted bail since his arrest, and pleaded for a lenient sentence.
“Firstly, I tender my apology to this court for the wrong that I have done, and I am asking the court for a lenient sentence so I can come out early to take care of my children.”
He stated he had plans for his children, for them to finish school and become successful and productive people.
Nawaseb added that he spent 13 years with the deceased and knew the circumstances of the deceased’s family, who stay with his children, and that with a lengthy sentence, he might find his children in the streets one day.
The State, represented by Basson Lilungwe, argued that the accused was responsible for Tanises’ death, and that the children will grow up without both parents because of his actions.
He added that even if the court was to accept his apology, it would not bring Tanises
back to life, and that an apology cannot be equated to the loss of life.
Petrus Grusshaber is representing Nawaseb.
The matter was postponed to 27 May 2025 for further mitigation and aggravation proceedings.