A resident of the Hardap region, Murao was convicted on six charges, including counts of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape, housebreaking with intent to rape and attempted rape, indecent assault, and abduction. The charges against him emanated from events that allegedly took place at Hoachanas in the Mariental district between 2008 and 2016. Murao's crimes were described by Judge Claudia Claasen as showing "a sustained pattern of predatory sexual conduct" directed at vulnerable victims.
During the sentencing on Friday, 30 October 2026, Judge Claasen described Murao as a "serial rapist" who demonstrated a profound disregard for the dignity and bodily integrity of his victims. Murao was found guilty of indecently assaulting a sleeping woman at Hoachanas on 12 November 2016, and on the same day, breaking into a house at the settlement, carrying off a four-month-old baby girl, and raping the baby, before returning her to the room where her parents were sleeping.
Murao was also convicted of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape in connection with an incident on 3 February 2012, during which he broke into a house at Hoachanas and committed a sexual act with a sleeping woman. Additionally, he was found guilty of housebreaking with intent to rape and attempted rape in connection with an incident on 14 May 2016, during which he broke into a house at Hoachanas and committed a sexual act with a sleeping woman.
The judge sentenced Murao to 22 years' imprisonment on the housebreaking and rape charge involving the baby, 12 years' imprisonment on each of the other charges of housebreaking and rape and housebreaking and attempted rape, a prison term of four years for abduction, a jail term of three years for indecent assault, and two years' imprisonment on a charge of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.
With none of the sentences ordered to be served concurrently, Murao received an effective period of 55 years' imprisonment. According to Judge Claasen, Murao's crimes demonstrate a profound disregard for the dignity and bodily integrity of his victims. The sentencing took place at the Windhoek High Court.
The Namibian police and the judiciary have been commended for their efforts in bringing Murao to justice. The case highlights the severity of sexual violence in Namibia and the need for continued efforts to prevent and prosecute such crimes. Murao's case is a notable example of the judiciary's efforts to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable.
Murao's crimes were committed over several years, and his victims included a four-month-old baby girl. The case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
Key points
- Murao was sentenced to 55 years in prison for multiple charges of rape and housebreaking.
- The judge described Murao as a "serial rapist" who demonstrated a profound disregard for the dignity and bodily integrity of his victims.
- Murao's crimes were committed over several years and included the rape of a four-month-old baby girl.
