Suspected migrant smuggler pleads for forgiveness

"I ask the court to forgive me and give me a second chance. I&#039;m really sorry. I&#039;m so sorry."These were the pleas of Abigail Bashala (52) yesterday, found guilty on three charges of smuggling migrants, who was so distraught that the court had to adjourn for a few minutes for her to calm down.The Windhoek High Court proceedings saw parties making their final arguments before sentencing.Bashala took the witness stand in hopes of a reduced sentence, while the State argued for a harsher punishment.A Congolese national who fled her home country due to the war, Bashala obtained refugee status in Namibia."You disrespected the very nation that offered you protection," the public prosecutor said during cross-examination."You should have sympathised with the victims and understood what they were going through, but you didn&#039;t. You saw their desperation and you used it to steal their money."BackgroundBashala initially faced 15 charges of migrant smuggling after she smuggled Congolese nationals into the country via Zambia, but was found guilty on 26 July of only three of the charges.The State proved that she received payment in these cases.MitigationBashala struggled to take up her position on the witness stand and her legal representative requested that she testify while seated because she cannot stand for long periods of time.She testified about her various health ailments. A diabetic, she also suffers from heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney failure and HIV.Although she is unemployed, she apparently received about U$1 000 every month for a house in Congo, which she rents out.She takes care of her two grandchildren who are three and 11 years old, and pays for her son’s tuition fees, accommodation and pocket money.Bashala had seven children, but according to her testimony, five of them - along with her mother - died in a fire in their house in Congo.Her remaining two sons came with her to Namibia and live in Windhoek.WitnessesThe State indicated that it will call two witnesses - the first was a home affairs employee responsible for the management of border posts.That evidence was concluded yesterday and the case – heard by Judge Dinnah Usiku - was adjourned until Thursday for the State to call its second witness. The sentencing date will be announced when the case resumes.̶ kristien@republikein.com.na

Suspected migrant smuggler pleads for forgiveness

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

Please login to leave a comment

Suspected migrant smuggler pleads for forgiveness

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

Please login to leave a comment

Login