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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 45867, member: 636"] A South African woman received a 15-year prison sentence for stealing a rental car and money laundering. Chante Coetzee faced trial at Katima Mulilo Regional Court after taking a hired vehicle across the border without permission. The 38-year-old woman got 10 years for vehicle theft and five years for financial crimes. Magistrate Barry Mufana handed down the punishment last Wednesday. The court also ordered Coetzee to pay back N$480,000 to cover the stolen car's value. Former ombudsman John Walters called the punishment harsh and shocking for a first-time criminal. He said the sentence surprised people who did not attend the court hearing. Walters suggested Coetzee should find a lawyer and appeal the decision to a higher court. He believes different judges might reduce the punishment. The former official said fraudulent actions influenced the magistrate's tough sentence. Current ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha refused to discuss the court decision. The Constitution prevents him from commenting about judicial matters and court rulings. Legal rules stop the ombudsman from criticizing judges and their work. Article 93 sets these restrictions for his office. Government officials must respect court independence. Coetzee rented the pickup truck from a Zambezi region company last June and July. She planned to tour Namibia during her visit to the country. The woman drove the vehicle into Zambia through an illegal crossing point without telling the rental company. Police arrested her in Zambia during October after the car owner reported the theft. Authorities brought her back to Namibia in January to face criminal charges. [/QUOTE]

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