Two life sentences for NIMT murders
Judge describes murders as ‘brazen, merciless’
Despite the murder convict's advanced age, the judge determined that he is a danger to society.
Ernst Lichtenstrasser was effectively sentenced to 66 years in prison yesterday in the Windhoek High Court.
In his sentencing, Judge Christie Liebenberg said the murders of Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) director Eckhart Mueller (72) and his deputy, Heimo Hellwig (60), were "brazen and merciless".
Liebenberg gave Lichtenstrasser two life sentences - 25 years each - for the murders of the two Nimt bosses, adding that the “brazen, merciless execution of the deceased is unjust, extreme and unworthy of any form of sympathy”.
According to the judge, Lichtenstrasser planned the murders. "It can be inferred from the evidence that the murders were committed after careful planning regarding the method, milieu and time of execution," he said.
Despite Lichtenstrasser's advanced age of 62, Liebenberg determined that he is a danger to society and must therefore remain behind bars. "The evil acts [he] was found guilty of undoubtedly reflect adversely on [his] character,” the ruling read.
Danger to himself, others
Regarding Lichtenstrasser's attempt to die by suicide last year and his hunger strike early this year, Liebenberg said these actions make him a danger to himself. "It would seem the accused is not only a threat to society, but also a danger to himself," the judge said.
Along with the murders, Lichtenstrasser was also found guilty of six other charges, which collectively added 16 years to his sentence. These are: Possessing a firearm without a licence, the illegal possession of ammunition, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, theft and the unauthorised supply of a firearm and ammunition.
Before the judge even began the sentencing, Lichtenstrasser indicated that he intended to submit an application for leave to appeal.
He has 14 days to apply for leave to appeal. If his application is successful, the matter may be heard in the Supreme Court.
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In his sentencing, Judge Christie Liebenberg said the murders of Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) director Eckhart Mueller (72) and his deputy, Heimo Hellwig (60), were "brazen and merciless".
Liebenberg gave Lichtenstrasser two life sentences - 25 years each - for the murders of the two Nimt bosses, adding that the “brazen, merciless execution of the deceased is unjust, extreme and unworthy of any form of sympathy”.
According to the judge, Lichtenstrasser planned the murders. "It can be inferred from the evidence that the murders were committed after careful planning regarding the method, milieu and time of execution," he said.
Despite Lichtenstrasser's advanced age of 62, Liebenberg determined that he is a danger to society and must therefore remain behind bars. "The evil acts [he] was found guilty of undoubtedly reflect adversely on [his] character,” the ruling read.
Danger to himself, others
Regarding Lichtenstrasser's attempt to die by suicide last year and his hunger strike early this year, Liebenberg said these actions make him a danger to himself. "It would seem the accused is not only a threat to society, but also a danger to himself," the judge said.
Along with the murders, Lichtenstrasser was also found guilty of six other charges, which collectively added 16 years to his sentence. These are: Possessing a firearm without a licence, the illegal possession of ammunition, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, theft and the unauthorised supply of a firearm and ammunition.
Before the judge even began the sentencing, Lichtenstrasser indicated that he intended to submit an application for leave to appeal.
He has 14 days to apply for leave to appeal. If his application is successful, the matter may be heard in the Supreme Court.
- [email protected]
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