Iuze Mukube  

The health condition of the mother of a man convicted of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape, has moved one of his victims (67) to ask the court that he be given a wholly suspended sentence.

The woman, who shall not be named to protect her identity, testified yesterday during pre-sentencing proceedings in the trial of Jonas Murao.

“I forgave him. His [Murao] mother is very sick. She has been hospitalised since he came here,” she told Windhoek High Court Judge Claudia Claasen.

She added that she has already made peace with the matter and had put it behind her.

The elderly woman told the court that, despite what had happened and the hurt she felt when Murao grabbed her forcefully at the time, she was no longer holding a grudge against him.

She agreed that her decision to forgive Murao was influenced by the condition of his mother, when the court asked on such.

The court put it to her that her call for forgiveness could send the wrong message about Murao’s conduct, particularly if it resulted in him escaping meaningful consequences for his actions.

She agreed that “it would be seen as wrong”, especially as she is his elder and had watched him grow up but maintained she has said what she wanted and that the court should make its own decision on the matter.”

However, from her side, she has made peace with the matter.

She also agreed with the court that, had she not awakened while Murao was allegedly touching her inappropriately, he could have continued with his conduct, including raping her.

She further stated that Murao had never asked for forgiveness or taken accountability for his conduct.

Yet out of her own accord, heart and Christianity, and having known the accused’s mother her whole life, she forgives him.

The woman, seemingly upset, saddened and crying in court, said that she was still hurt and traumatised by the experience, but that she only forgave him for one reason only, his sick mother.

The mother of the four-month-old who is alleged to have been raped by the accused also shared similar sentiments.

Another woman who is alleged to have been sexually assaulted by the accused, also indicated yesterday that she has forgiven the accused.

Murao faced nine charges at the onset of his trial but was convicted in August on six charges including one count of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, two counts of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape, housebreaking with intent to rape and attempted rape, indecent assault, and abduction.

The charges against Murao stemmed from events that were alleged to have taken place at Hoachanas in the Mariental district in November 2008, February 2012, May 2016 and November 2016.

The State alleged that Murao raped a sleeping woman at Hoachanas on 12 November 2016.

On the same day, he allegedly broke into another house at the settlement, carried off a four-month-old baby girl and raped her.

He is alleged to have also broken into a house at Hoachanas on 3 February 2012 and committed a sexual act with a sleeping woman.

A similar incident was alleged to have occurred on 14 May 2016, when Murao allegedly broke into another house at Hoachanas and committed a sexual act with a sleeping woman.

It is alleged that Murao broke into a shop at the settlement on three occasions in November 2008, and stole alcohol, cigarettes and money.

Murao is represented by Peru Liebenberg and the State by Dominic Lisulo.

–imukube@nepc.com.na