‘Killer mother’ in police custody

By Hertta-Maria Amutenja

KRISTOFINA Amutenya who shocked the nation after she allegedly strangled her three children, killing two of them is currently in police custody in Ethiopia.

Namibian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Emilia Mkusa in a statement this week announced that Amutenya remains in custody and there is not yet an agreement to have her deported back to Namibia.

“The suspect has been discharged from the hospital and currently under police custody. According to Federal Police, she apparently appeared in court, but the case has been postponed and there is no Extradition Agreement between Namibia and Ethiopia,” said Mkusa.

Amutenya was hospitalised for injuries sustained after a failed suicide attempt subsequent to jumping from the first floor of their double-storey home.

She was married to diplomat Petrus Haufiku who is deployed as a commercial attaché at the Namibian embassy in Ethiopia. The two tied the knot in 2010 before divorcing this year.

It is alleged that Amutenya, strangled her three children, and two of them died on the spot while the third who is not her birth child and is the eldest, survived. He is nine years old. She allegedly told the children to go and sleep before committing the crime.

After allegedly committing the crime, she ran to the neighbours and informed them that her husband had been abusing the family.

The husband was reportedly detained based on the allegations, but was released when the surviving child told Ethiopian authorities that it was the woman who had allegedly committed the killings.

The statement further stated the Embassy will provide the necessary support that is required by the grieving family.

“The Mission has embarked on the process to facilitate the repatriation of the remains to Namibia, and will advise accordingly, as soon as the process has been finalised. The Mission further facilitates to acquire the relevant documents such as death certificates, as well as the repatriation of the remains to Namibia. In addition, the internal security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the family.

“I and the entire staff of the Mission are shocked by this unfortunate incident.

We can only extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Embassy continues to provide the necessary support to the husband and the surviving son,” said the Ambassador.

Amutenya appeared in court on Monday and is currently detained in Addis Ababa police cells.