A Namibian man (37) was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on Friday after being convicted of his wife’s murder in the Katima Mulilo Regional Court.
On Thursday, Dido Mabuku Mabuku was found guilty by regional magistrate Barry Mufana of viciously murdering his wife and the mother of his two children, Gladys Sitohile, in 2014 in the Kongola constituency of the Zambezi region.
During his sentencing remarks, Mufana, noted that murder is a serious offence, more so when it’s done in a domestic setting, hence, the interests of society should be taken into consideration.
“If you are following the media, you will see that there is an outcry from society against such cases. The courts have in the past issued stern sentences to deter such behaviour, however, such warning seems to fall on deaf ears and continues unabated,” Mufana said.
Looking at this case, mercilessness, brutality, and inhumanity come to mind, said Mufana, noting that Mabuku failed his own wife.
“He was a coward by assaulting her with a stick. She was drunk and so vulnerable that she could not talk or walk on her own,” he said.
Mufana said Mabuku did not convince the court of his remorse because despite being given the opportunity, he did not testify.
He offered to apologise on his own convenience, therefore, it becomes difficult to extend sympathy to him.
“The accused and other offenders should be deterred from committing such serious offences. The wrong message will be sent out if he is treated with kid gloves in sentencing. Domestic violence offenders should be duly sentenced, therefore, I’m sentencing you to 20 years of imprisonment,” he said.
State prosecutor Bronah Mukoya said Sitohile suffered a very painful death after being viciously attacked with a stick numerous times and dragged around by the accused on the tarred road, as well as on the gravel road.
She said despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Mabuku denied ever assaulting the deceased and instead tried to present himself as a saviour during the course of the trial.
“Men are no longer the protectors but scavengers whom women and children have to run from. The Namibian published an article saying that about 32% of women in Namibia experience physical abuse, and this is exactly what happened to the deceased in this matter, who was killed by her husband as a result.
“In this matter, the interest of society outweighs the personal circumstances of the accused. It is sad that the penalty in this court is only 20 years, otherwise, I would have suggested that he get a higher sentencing,” she said.
In mitigation, through his legal aid lawyer, Mowa Chaka, Mabuku pleaded with the court to take into consideration that he is a first-time offender, that he has two minor children, and that he never attended school due to financial challenges and poor eyesight during sentencing.
He added that he is remorseful and would like to apologise to the court and the family members of his wife if given the chance to do so.
