The Keetmanshoop Regional Court has sentenced 24-year-old Flora Van Kent to 10 years’ imprisonment for stabbing to death a nineteen-month old baby.
 
Van Kent, a mother of two, inflicted two stab wounds to the baby girl, causing her death.
 
The child was asleep at the time of the attack at her mother's house. 
 
Van Kent reportedly committed the offence in a fit of jealousy after her ex-boyfriend, who is also the child's father, resumed a romantic relationship with the child's mother.

In handing down the sentence, Regional Magistrate Frans Anderson described the manner in which the child was killed as not only despicable, but also as a stark reminder of the cruel nature exhibited by human beings when things do not go their way.

He further noted he could not observe any expression of remorse from the accused during the trial, but rather a cold and calculated stare.

Van Kent pleaded guilty to a charge of murder at the start of her trial.

The Magistrate laid down a sentence of 15 years, with five years suspended, citing the duty to deter any future such acts, and to serve as retribution for Van Kent's crime.

The state prosecutor called for an 18-year sentence, with a suggested three suspended.

 Van Kent's legal aid representative had recommended a 15-year sentence, with a portion suspended.