Nuusita Ashipala

ONGWEDIVA- Mune Siyave (54), convicted of murdering his wife at Likwaterera village near Rundu in February 2018, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment in the Oshakati High Court last week. Judge Johanna Salionga suspended five years of his term on condition that he is not convicted of murder during the period of suspension.

Sivaye kicked his wife Rebecca Kauma all over her body while wearing boots and also beat her, inflicting severe injuries on her. The court heard that after the assault, Sivaye dragged the deceased from the scene to their hut.

He left the wounded deceased alone at home and proceeded to sleep at his grandmother’s house. The next morning, despite the wife having a swollen face, Sivaye went to a soccer field, claiming he was bored at home, without getting the wife medical assistance.

The deceased died a day later. Sivaye admitted during the trial to kicking the deceased once, but denied kicking her repeatedly.He also denied beating his deceased wife with open hands or fists.In sentencing Sivaye, judge Salionga said the offence of murder is undoubtedly one of the most serious and widespread crimes in the country.

The judge added that the killing of the deceased could be described in no better words than merciless and cruel.

“What is disturbing in this matter is that the accused carried out his horrendous assault at the homestead of the deceased’s grandmother,” she said. Salionga stressed that crimes of violence against women and children are far too serious and prevalent in society, and the courts ought to send out a message that the use of violence to resolve conflicts in love relationships cannot be tolerated.

– nashipala@nepc.com.na