Man convicted after claiming ‘gay ghosts’ tricked him into stabbing girlfriend and baby
A Namibian man has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend and daughter after attempting to use a 'gay ghost' defense. The court rejected his claim of a sleep disorder, relying instead on testimony from his young daughter who witnessed him preparing a weapon.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of domestic violence, mental health defenses, and the judicial process in Namibia.
Save for later Comment Judge in courtroom (Envato, Stock)
A Namibian man who claimed that “gay ghosts” caused him to stab his girlfriend and baby daughter has been found guilty of murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Johannes Claasen, 39, told Namibia’s High Court in Windhoek Correctional Facility that he was defending himself from two men who appeared beside him in bed in the early hours of Christmas Day in 2020.
According to The Namibian , Claasen said the men were gay and that one of them propositioned him for sex. He claimed he tried to fight them off but later “came to his senses” and found himself holding a large knife.
Classen said he then realised he had stabbed his girlfriend, 28-year-old Rolinda Lamberth, and their 11-month-old daughter. The two “gay ghosts” had disappeared at that point, Claasen claimed.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in