Panduleni's appeal on hold

Panduleni's appeal on hold Wants 17-year sentence set aside The appeal by the Ongwediva-based businessman currently serving a 17-year prison term for murder, was removed from the High Court roll as no date could be found. Jackson Absalom Panduleni, 30, has launched an application for bail pending his appeal and this is currently scheduled at the Regional Court in Katutura. There is no date set for his appeal as none could be found by the court.

In September, he was found guilty of murder. On 9 February 2013 he killed Tobias Abisai at the People''s Inn, in Ondoto Street, Okuryangava by shooting him with a firearm in the chest. Abisai''s body was found by authorities lying at the entrance of the bar.

According to the Correctional Services Act, Panduleni will only be eligible for parole after serving at least two-thirds of his 17-year sentence. Good behaviour can also play a role in reducing the sentence.

During the murder trial, Magistrate Sarel Jacobs stated that a sentence that corresponds to the gravity of the offence was imposed to emphasise the disapproval of society and to serve as a warning to others.

He had then said: “No doubt that the crime of murder in any form remains a serious crime, which usually calls for severe punishment. A person lost his life due to the conduct of the accused. The sanctity of human life must be emphasised whenever a person is unlawfully killed.”

Jacobs had emphasised that a firearm was used in the commissioning of the crime and it is unfortunate that in recent times crimes of violence committed by the use of firearms increased.

According to him a clear message must be sent to the community at large that to resort to violence, particularly with firearms, would not be tolerated.

The appellant is the father of two minor children, whom he maintains together with members of his extended family. At the time of sentencing he had said he should be sentenced to a short period of imprisonment as his family would not be able to survive without him.

The magistrate replied that the accused, who is the breadwinner, should have known that he was placing the well-being of his family in jeopardy by resorting to crime.

Jacobs concluded that Panduleni had showed no respect for human life and committed a brutal murder.



FRED GOEIEMAN