Heavy jail sentences have been imposed on seven Namibians convicted in February of 'terrorism' for their support of SWAPO's armed struggle. (For full report see FOCUS 64 p.9)
The trial resumed on 29 April with the defence leading evidence in mitigation of sentence. It was argued that the men had broken the law with the highest of motives – 'the service of their people'. Andre Du Pisani, a political scientist at the University of South Africa, traced the history of Namibia's long struggle for independence since conquest by the Germans. It was also emphasised that the men were involved principally in attacks on property. The offences were summarised as recruitment of persons to undertake acts of sabotage, reconnaissance work, concealment and movement of weapons and explosives, receiving and giving instructions in the use of weapons and explosives, giving orders for others to sabotage installations or carrying them out themselves.
In sentencing, Justice Strydom acknowledged that the men acted from political motivation not personal gain. However, the sentences were stern to 'serve to restrain others from letting themselves be recruited by SWAPO's armed wing'. The defendants had already served at least a year and in one case nearly two years in custody before being officially sentenced. He gave the longest terms, of 16 and 14 years, to the first three accused, Frans Angela, Norbert Ankome and Elkan Simon Shoombe who had undergone military training in Angola. Desiderius Ankome, Erastus Uutoni and Vilho Kashilulu, who were recruited and trained inside Namibia, received 12 years each. The last accused, Bernadinus Petrus Shikongo, who had rendered assistance to SWAPO combatants, received the minimum sentence of five years.
The sentences were greeted with derision by the many supporters of the accused present in the court. Defiant shouts of 'SWAPO will win' and 'You have already punished them, give us back our country' were heard. Police in camouflage caused uproar when they tried to prevent the men's families taking leave of them in the dock, pushing aside even the elderly mother of one defendant. (WO 19.4.86, 10.5.86; WA 30.4.86, 7.5.86; Nam 2/9.5.86)
- Frans ANGULA (29) – 16 years Detained since August 1984 * Norbert ANKOME (25) – 14 years Brother of Desiderius, detained January 1985 * Elkan Simon SHOOMBE (21) – 14 years Detained in April 1985 * Desiderius ANKOME (27) – 12 years Teacher at Valombola Technical Institute Brother of Norbert; detained January 1985 * Erastus UUTONI (29) – 12 years Insurance agent; detained January 1985 * Vilho KASHILULU (22) – 12 years School student; detained January 1985 * Bernadinus P SHIKONGO (41) – 5 years Primary School headmaster; detained Jan.'85
