Minor allegedly involved in cousin’s death not criminally liable, say Police

By: Ludorf Iyambo

Khomas Head of the Crime Investigations Unit, Deputy Commissioner Fredrik Ndjadila, says the 10-year-old boy accused of killing his 15-year-old cousin in Windhoek’s Otjomuise area over the weekend has not been arrested because he is a minor and cannot be held criminally liable. Ndjadila explained that the boy was brought in for questioning in the presence of his parent and a social worker.

Ndjadila’s remarks are contrary to the weekend crime report which stated that the boy had been arrested following the incident.

According to the crime report, the 15-year-old boy was instructed by the suspect’s mother to intervene in an altercation between the suspect and his sister, who were fighting over spectacles.

It is alleged the sister allegedly pushed the brother (suspect) , who was holding a knife in his hand and as a result, the suspect allegedly fell on the(cousin),who succumbed to the injury sustained at the scene.
Ndjadila explained that, given the age category in which the suspect falls, he cannot be arrested, but due process will be followed.

He said the police will investigate the matter like any other case, and the docket will be submitted to the Prosecutor-General and the court to determine whether the suspect should be brought before court and what should happen next.

” Any child under the age of 12 is not criminal liable… a due process has to be followed, which means all the evidence surrounding that specific case has to be collected and all relevant questioned will be place on him or her,” stated Ndjadila.
He added that this is a sensitive case and still at an early stage.

“It involved the family. The family is hurt, double hurt…. So, it must also be respected in such a way that we send our condolences to the family. And we hope they find closure on that. But on the side of investigation…. it is going to be carried in a fair and impartial way. And the docket will be submitted accordingly,” remarked Ndjadila.

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