JUST IN: The seven men accused of treason and attempting to overthrow the Namibian government in what is formally known as the Caprivi region have been found guilty by Judge Petrus Unengu of the High Court on charges related to high treason.
The accused, namely, Progress Kenyoka Munuma, Shine Samulandela, Manuel Manepelo Makendano, Alex Sinjabata Mushakwa, Diamond Samunzala Salufa, Frederick Isaka Ntambila, and John Tembwe, were arrested between July 2002 and December 2003 and charged in relation to taking part in a conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the Namibian government in the former Caprivi region between September 1998 and December 2003. They faced charges of high treason, sedition, public violence, and the illegal importation of weapons and ammunition, among others. The accused were discharged on counts related to sedition and public violence.
They were initially convicted and sentenced to terms ranging from 30 to 32 years by the late magistrate John Manyarara. However, their sentences were set aside by the Supreme Court on appeal in July 2013, and the trial started afresh, resulting in the current judgment by Justice Unengu. Full story to follow.
