Caprivi treason: More jail time after 20 years behind bars
Seven men who plotted an armed uprising against the government in the Zambezi Region - formerly the Caprivi Region, which they claimed was not part of Namibia - were resentenced in the Windhoek High Court yesterday.
This after the nullification of their original 30- and 32-year sentences by the Supreme Court, which had been issued by the late Judge John Manyarara. The matter dragged on for over two decades, with the men originally being arrested in 2002.
In July, Judge Petrus Unengu - who took over the case on 30 June 2014 - found the seven men guilty of high treason, unauthorised importation of weapons, possession and supply of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and immigration law violations.
In the new sentences, Progress Munuma (64) was sentenced to 26 years for high treason, with 10 years suspended if no similar offences are committed. Meanwhile, Shine Samulandela (59), Alex Mushakwa (62), Frederick Ntambilwa (62), Hoster Ntombo and John Tembwe were sentenced to 12 years each. Manuel Makendano (78) was sentenced to five years in prison.
Pleading for mercy
According to Munuma's written submission, he suffers from hypertension, reflux and a stomach ulcer. He also shared that he has six children and 20 grandchildren. Munuma expressed regret that his children grew up without his guidance and love and said they were emotionally affected by his absence.
Samulandela told the court that during his time in custody, he earned certificates in religious studies and pleaded for mercy, asking for a second chance due to his advanced age. He shared that his wife died while he was in prison, leaving behind six children and 13 grandchildren, the latter all born in his absence. He added that none of them are employed, leaving the family without proper care.
The oldest of the seven, Makendano, said he has glaucoma in his left eye and is blind in his right eye. He also mentioned that his jaw was broken in an accident with a police vehicle while being taken to the hospital for treatment.
In his ruling, Unengu explained that when deciding a sentence, the court considers the main goals of punishment: To discourage future crimes, protect society, help reform the offender and ensure justice is served. "The court will consider these personal mitigating factors and circumstances together with all other competing interests,” he said.
This after the nullification of their original 30- and 32-year sentences by the Supreme Court, which had been issued by the late Judge John Manyarara. The matter dragged on for over two decades, with the men originally being arrested in 2002.
In July, Judge Petrus Unengu - who took over the case on 30 June 2014 - found the seven men guilty of high treason, unauthorised importation of weapons, possession and supply of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and immigration law violations.
In the new sentences, Progress Munuma (64) was sentenced to 26 years for high treason, with 10 years suspended if no similar offences are committed. Meanwhile, Shine Samulandela (59), Alex Mushakwa (62), Frederick Ntambilwa (62), Hoster Ntombo and John Tembwe were sentenced to 12 years each. Manuel Makendano (78) was sentenced to five years in prison.
Pleading for mercy
According to Munuma's written submission, he suffers from hypertension, reflux and a stomach ulcer. He also shared that he has six children and 20 grandchildren. Munuma expressed regret that his children grew up without his guidance and love and said they were emotionally affected by his absence.
Samulandela told the court that during his time in custody, he earned certificates in religious studies and pleaded for mercy, asking for a second chance due to his advanced age. He shared that his wife died while he was in prison, leaving behind six children and 13 grandchildren, the latter all born in his absence. He added that none of them are employed, leaving the family without proper care.
The oldest of the seven, Makendano, said he has glaucoma in his left eye and is blind in his right eye. He also mentioned that his jaw was broken in an accident with a police vehicle while being taken to the hospital for treatment.
In his ruling, Unengu explained that when deciding a sentence, the court considers the main goals of punishment: To discourage future crimes, protect society, help reform the offender and ensure justice is served. "The court will consider these personal mitigating factors and circumstances together with all other competing interests,” he said.
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