Rape convict and northern businessman Sindano Hango has approached the Oshakati High Court to appeal his sentence of 15 years' imprisonment. 

He was convicted of raping a family member by the High Court in February 2021, following an appeal by the State. 

Hango had initially been acquitted of the 2014 rape at the end of his trial.

Not satisfied with the High Court’s decision, he then appealed his case in the Supreme Court. But in October 2021, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision to convict Hango of rape.

The Supreme Court ordered that the matter be remitted to the Regional Court for sentencing. 

Consequently, in February this year, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. 

In his notice of appeal, Hango said although he is noting an appeal, the grounds for his appeal will be filed at a later stage.

“Kindly take further notice that appellant is not in possession of the transcribed record of the proceedings in the Regional Court. Therefore, the grounds of appeal relied upon together with the findings of fact and conclusions of law to which appellant objects will be filed as soon as the record of appeal is received,” reads the notice.

The case has been clouded with controversy, with Hango being accused of bribing the complainant with N$10 000 to allegedly withdraw the rape charge.

The court heard Hango sent family members to talk her into withdrawing the case in exchange for that amount.

The initial investigating officer also tried to talk the woman into withdrawing the case.

It has been the victim’s testimony that Hango forced himself onto her by holding her arms to the back while one hand forcefully removed her jeans and underpants.

During the scuffle, the victim says she fell to the floor and then fled to her room, where the convict followed her, threw her on the bed and forcefully penetrated
her.

The victim at the time also told the court that she informed several family members about the rape.

However, some attempted to talk her out of registering a case, while others advised her to pursue it.

Oshakati Regional Court magistrate Leopold Hangalo said at the time of acquitting Hango that after considering the evidence presented in court, he was not convinced that a rape was committed.

Hango had maintained in his own defence during the trial that the whole act was fabricated, and that it was the victim’s idea that he should give her money to take care of her personal needs.

In his appeal, he is represented by Jacobs Amupolo Lawyers and Conveyancers. 

-mamakali@nepc.com.na