Accused rapist’s challenge against Rape Act dismissed

A Cuban national was unsuccessful in his attempt to have a part of the Combating of Rape Act 8 of 2000 declared unconstitutional. Pedro Louise Veira challenged Section 2(2) of the Act, more specifically the definition of "coercive circumstances," as it contains the words "but is not limited to."

In a judgment delivered at the High Court yesterday, the application was dismissed.

The court ruled that the term is intentionally broad in order to not exclude any misconduct. Veira is faces several charges under the Combating of Rape Act in the Windhoek Regional Court.

- Kristien Kruger