I decided to write this short article about my views on the death penalty. This is also fueled by my passion for advocating for girls’ empowerment as a model.
NB: This is not necessarily what I want to be constitutional or implemented; it is simply my personal view, expressed with full respect for the Namibian Constitution and for my freedom of expression.
First of all, the death penalty is a form of punishment whereby criminals such as rapists, womanisers, abusive men, and molesters are sentenced to death because of the harm they cause and the violation of the bodily integrity of women, girls, boys, and men.
The death penalty is also legally recognised and implemented in the laws of some countries. While public opinion often argues that it undermines democracy, especially in countries like Namibia, let me address that.
The death penalty does not necessarily weaken or belittle democracy, because it only comes into effect when serious crimes such as sexual violence and assault occur. If Namibia were to introduce the death penalty, what effects would it have on people’s rights?
One benefit is that it could protect vulnerable individuals and groups, particularly women, children, and people living with physical impairments who may struggle to defend themselves. It could also serve as justice for those who have suffered physical and sexual abuse, as well as for families who have lost loved ones to violent crimes.
Many people have lost daughters to cruel acts such as rape, mutilation, sexual assault, and physical abuse. To this day, these crimes continue to exist in our society at an alarming rate.
The death penalty could also become a strong deterrent, reminding perpetrators that severe consequences await those who abuse or violate women and children.
This could help lower sexual crime rates and gender-based violence in the country. Why are most Namibians opposing the death penalty?
To be honest, many Namibians fear it, even though some support stronger punishment for violent crimes, because they are still afraid of those who have harmed or harassed them.
Another harsh truth is that some people speak against the death penalty because their own family members may be rapists, womanisers, or abusive towards their wives.
Many families try too hard to protect loved ones who cause sexual or emotional harm to others because they love them and do not want them to face consequences.
But when it comes to law and justice, we should not allow love or family ties to cloud our judgment. A criminal is a criminal, regardless of how close or distant they are from us. Also, a person who harms others today could harm their own daughter, sister, mother, or grandmother in the future.
Men rape and kill women far too often — this is what I call “rape syndrome,” where some individuals find satisfaction in being misogynistic and cruel towards women. Another reason why some Namibians strongly oppose the death penalty is because they want patriarchal systems to continue thriving.
I have realised that even at school, many people still believe girls are inferior. Teenage girls are often pressured by society to conform to stereotypes, gender norms, and unrealistic standards.
Girls in rural communities are especially vulnerable to discrimination and violence because some communities are deeply invested in traditional practices that downgrade and dehumanise women, to the point where they lose control over their own bodies and reproductive rights.
Through traditional teachings, many girls are taught the so-called “respect your husband” policy, where a girl cannot speak after her husband has spoken and where his decisions are considered final.
These harmful beliefs cause many women and girls to believe that marriage gives men ownership over their bodies and reproductive freedom. Another reason why some people object to the death penalty is because some of them may themselves be abusive or guilty of crimes against women and children.
Often, people oppose punishments that threaten them personally or expose the crimes they have committed. If the death penalty is the only way that criminals such as rapists can be properly punished, then some people believe that is the path the country should take.
Many people are tired of arrests that only result in perpetrators spending a few days or weeks in jail. Many Namibian women have lost their lives while waiting for police and the government to act.
Why is it that a person who steals diamonds or is involved in corruption can spend years in prison, while someone accused of rape or killing a woman sometimes appears to receive lighter punishment? In many people’s eyes, government systems have failed when it comes to protecting human rights.
In Namibia, it is painful to feel as though natural resources and the economy are valued more than citizens’ lives. What is the point of developing an economy if the very people meant to benefit from it continue dying from preventable violence such as rape, sexual abuse, and gender- based violence?
A diamond should never be worth more than a human life. Authorities can quickly track down diamond thieves, yet many victims still struggle to receive justice after being raped or abused. This is injustice. The same people expected to build and support the country’s economy are the same people suffering from violence and abuse.
The death penalty does not threaten democracy any more than life imprisonment for those who steal natural resources threatens democracy. So why should punishing rapists severely be seen as harmful to democracy, when it could potentially reduce victimisation and discourage people from committing such crimes? It is important to understand that the death penalty does not mean randomly killing people.
Supporters view it as a strategy intended to prevent gender-based violence through fear of severe punishment. For example, if someone knows that rape could result in the death penalty, they may avoid committing the crime because they fear the consequences.
The death penalty is meant to serve as a warning and punishment for perpetrators of serious crimes against humanity and justice. According to those who support it, it would only be applied in response to severe criminal acts.
- Grace Regina Nekaro is an 11th-grade law student at Sunshine Private College,
