Samuel Shinedima
JULINDA Johannes, the 23-year-old woman from Greenwell in Windhoek who gained widespread attention in the media due to a video showing her attacking her six-year-old daughter, has been denied bail.
Johannes appeared in the Katutura Magistrate Court for the first time following her arrest on Sunday afternoon at her residence in Windhoek. She is facing charges of common assault related to an incident captured on video, where she was seen physically harming and strangling her minor daughter.
According to the Magistrate Court, the 23-year-old mother has been remanded in custody for further investigation, and her case has been postponed to October 10, 2023, for the continuation of her pre-trial proceedings.
After the widely circulated video depicting the assault on a minor, authorities have advised parents and guardians against using physical punishment as a method of disciplining children. This is because causing harm to individuals is considered a criminal act according to Namibian laws.
In accordance with Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution, every individual is guaranteed the right to uphold human dignity, ensuring that the dignity of each person remains inviolable. When a person in authority employs physical force with the objective of inflicting pain for disciplinary purposes, it is referred to as corporal punishment. Corporal punishment of children typically consists of smacking, slapping, spanking, or beating with one’s hand, and it is a punishable crime in Namibia. This practice is commonly observed in both homes and schools.
Regarding this matter, Johannes faces three charges: common assault, assault with threats, and contravention of the Child Protection Act, for having strangled, threatened to kill, and beaten her daughter.
Members of the public are encouraged to report those abusing children in their households to the nearest police station or social workers in their vicinity to safeguard the rights and safety of children.
Leave a Reply