Rapist (18) jailed for nine years

THE leader of a gang of boys who repeatedly raped an 11-year-old girl at Luderitz was sentenced to an effective nine years in jail by Judge Mavis Gibson in the High Court in Windhoek on Friday.

Earlier last week, the young man, who is now 18, was found guilty on five counts of rape committed by him and three young accomplices during January 2001. He and the other three were tried and sentenced in accordance with the Combating of Rape Act of 2000.Before sentencing, Gibson reminded the youth that rape ranked as one of the most serious crimes and that the victim was put through an ordeal which would remain in her memory for the rest of her life.”In my opinion nine years of direct prison is an appropriate punishment,” said the Judge.At the start of the trial last year, the 18-year-old was charged, together with three 11-year-olds, who were found guilty, sentenced and placed in the custody of their guardians or parents because of their age.The three youngsters last year testified that the youth was the gang leader, and said he had instigated them to commit the offence.Christie Mostert, acting on the instructions of the Justice Ministry’s Directorate of Legal Aid, defended the young man.- NampaHe and the other three were tried and sentenced in accordance with the Combating of Rape Act of 2000.Before sentencing, Gibson reminded the youth that rape ranked as one of the most serious crimes and that the victim was put through an ordeal which would remain in her memory for the rest of her life.”In my opinion nine years of direct prison is an appropriate punishment,” said the Judge.At the start of the trial last year, the 18-year-old was charged, together with three 11-year-olds, who were found guilty, sentenced and placed in the custody of their guardians or parents because of their age.The three youngsters last year testified that the youth was the gang leader, and said he had instigated them to commit the offence.Christie Mostert, acting on the instructions of the Justice Ministry’s Directorate of Legal Aid, defended the young man.- Nampa