The criminal history of a man convicted of raping a child and committing two murders and other crimes at Gobabis “reveals a disturbing and rapid escalation in gravity”, a judge remarked in the Windhoek High Court before sentencing the offender to two life imprisonment terms yesterday.
Gobabis resident John Mutirua’s first encounter with the justice system after he had raped a girl in September 2018 served as no deterrent for him, acting judge Makapa Simasiku said during Mutirua’s sentencing.
“Instead, a mere two years after committing the initial offences, he graduated to a spree of brazen violence involving murder, attempted murder and robbery. This trajectory confirms a frightening inclination towards extreme violence and a trigger-ready disposition,” Simasiku commented.
He continued: “The offender used dangerous weapons against his victims with little to no provocation, demonstrating a callous disregard for the sanctity of human life.”
Mutirua (24) was found guilty on nine charges in November last year.
Simasiku convicted him of raping a nine-year-old girl in the Epako area of Gobabis on 23 September 2018. The girl was raped twice.
Mutirua was also found guilty of murdering a 19-year-old man, Meno Tjizera, by stabbing him with a knife at Gobabis during the night of 30 to 31 October 2020.
Tjizera died after he had been stabbed in the chest at a wedding celebration where he was a guest.
Mutirua stabbed another man in the head during the same night, and was found guilty of attempted murder in connection with that incident.
The second murder he was convicted of was committed at Gobabis on 16 July 2023, when Mutirua killed Albertus Maasdorp (37) by stabbing him with a knife after accusing Maasdorp of stealing blankets from him.
Mutirua also stabbed another man on 16 July 2023, and was found guilty of attempted murder in connection with that incident.
Simasiku sentenced him to life imprisonment on each of the murder charges, and ordered that the two sentences should be served concurrently.
In terms of Namibian law, a person sentenced to life imprisonment has to serve a period of 25 years in prison before they will be eligible to be considered for release.
Mutirua was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of rape and to an eight-year prison term on a charge of attempted rape. Simasiku ordered that the two sentences on the rape charges and the sentence on the count of attempted rape should also be served concurrently.
On each of the two charges of attempted murder, Mutirua was sentenced to a four-year jail term, with the two sentences ordered to be served concurrently as well.
“His actions demonstrate a disturbing propensity to resort to lethal force with terrifying ease,” Simasiku commented.
“He remains a volatile and lethal risk to any member of society who might inadvertently cross his path.”
Simasiku found that Mutirua did not show remorse for the crimes of which he was found guilty.
He commented in that regard: “His lack of remorse is not merely a passive trait but a defiant rejection of the gravity of his actions, proving that he remains a cold and present danger to the community.”
Simasiku also said: “A lack of genuine remorse indicates that the offender is unlikely to change his ways. Consequently, the court must intervene to protect society from an individual who has demonstrated a high propensity for criminality.”
The court was informed that Mutirua was raised by a single mother and that he dropped out of school in Grade 5.
His background is characterised by a lack of stability, Simasiku said.
Mutirua is the father of three minor children, aged between two and six years old, and he informed the court that he has never been personally involved in their upbringing, Simasiku also noted.
State advocate Maria Shilongo represented the state during Mutirua’s trial.
Mutirua was represented by defence lawyer Ileni Velikoshi.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
