Ongwediva
The Namibian government has repatriated war veteran John Mandume Mbwalala, who has been living in destitution in Angola since before Namibia attained its independence from colonial rule some 26 years ago.
Mbwalala is said to be suffering from amnesia, hence has no recollection of the past. It took government close to three years to repatriate Mbwalala after a roving NBC news team discovered him in Angola in May 2013.
Mbwalala, who on several occasions declined to be repatriated, is said to be reunited with his family.
Public relations officer at the Ministry of Veteran Affairs Edson Haufiku confirmed the repatriation of Mbwalala. Haufiku, however, would not dwell on his current condition, saying only that he is currently at a hospital in Windhoek. New Era understands that Mbwalala was airlifted from the Ruacana airstrip to Windhoek, where he is now receiving medical attention at an unnamed hospital.
Minister of Presidential Affairs Frans Kapofi announced Mbwalala’s repatriation in parliament last week. Mbwalala had been living in abject poverty at Olyaafilwa village for close to 26 years. Olyaafilwa village is in Angola, 50 km from the border of Namibia.
Villagers said Mbwalala was first spotted in April 1989 and is said to have arrived there in a confused state of mind. Since he was discovered, the Namibian government has been in consultation with the Angolan government and a repatriation committee was subsequently formed.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration also issued him with national identity documents while still in Angola. He has since been reunited with his family and the Namibian government has from time to time provided him with food basic commodities.
The headman of Olyaafilwa village, Joel Katombela, applauded the Namibian government for repatriating Mbwalala. He said for many years the former freedom fighter had been living in isolation, surviving on handouts from good Samaritans.
“I’m happy he is repatriated and I hope he will be accorded veteran status,” Katombela said. Talike Mwafekelange, in whose yard Mbwalala has been living, described him as a brother. He said they lived together for many years. “He is my brother and I’m happy he is finally home, but I hope the government will update me of his wellbeing,” Mwafekelenge said.
Haufiku said the ministry would accord Mbwalala full veteran status.