OSHAKATI – Police in the Oshana Region yesterday interrogated famous local actor Jekonia Akuunda, known as Ndjeke ya Malimba, for allegedly instigating xenophobic attacks against Zimbabwean street vendors throughout the country.
The attacks spearheaded by Ndjeke, as he is popularly known, would have involved the seizure of music CDs and videos because the actor-cum-musician claims the Zimbabwean vendors sell pirated music produced by Namibian artistes, which they sell on the streets at five times lower than the music would have retailed and therefore depriving local artistes of revenue.
The surprise xenophobic attack, as the actor termed it, was planned for today in Oshakati in the hope that it would spread to other towns as well. However, the plan was halted after police got wind of it.
“This was going to be breaking news, but after a thorough discussion with the police we have decided to cancel the plan. But we want government to do the right thing so that we can reach an amicable solution so that we enjoy the market,” said Ndjeke.
Namibians rarely attack foreign nationals and even the politicians usually encourage them to peacefully co-exist with people from other African countries, who also during the liberation struggle gave food, shelter and even military assistance to Swapo freedom fighters.
However the foiled attack pales in significance when compared to the attacks in South Africa over the past weeks in which several people have been killed, 74 detained and over 1 500 foreigners made homeless.
The South Africans allege the foreigners are taking their jobs.
Ndjeke confessed before the Oshana Police Regional Commander Commissioner Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa and senior police officials that he and his followers were going to seize and burn the items of the Zimbabwean nationals today.
Their foiled xenophobic plan was inspired by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have been condemned by President Jacob Zuma and even the African Union (AU) that issued a statement yesterday.
Ndjeke claims the Zimbabwean nationals are on the verge of killing their business and talents by pirating their work.
He said following the attacks in South Africa, Namibia is likely to be overpopulated by Namibian nationals who in the end will also venture into piracy business like their brothers.
“I am selling my CD at N$100 but the Zimbabweans are selling theirs at N$20. They even have customers whom they call and they are selling door-to-door. So who is going to buy my work,” asked Ndjeke.
Ndjeke said former president Hifikepunye Pohamba declared war on poverty, however, there are some people who want to see them languish in poverty.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam), which he accused of not doing enough to stop piracy. Ndjeke further said the artistes have lost trust in Nascam.
Head of department of the members and distribution and documentation at Nascam Lelly Neumbo advised members to raise their concerns with Nascam.
Neumbo further said some of their members are not aware of Nascam’s purpose and do not attend initiated meetings saying that that is the reason why they have lost trust.
Kashihakumwa said no arrests were made. “Arresting is usually the last resort after we have exhausted all the other options. The police is not just there to arrest, we educate and advice our people too,” he said. He further urged Namibians to support local musicians and to stop buying pirated music items, as this could inflame tempers.
Ndjeke and his followers want government to intervene and save their work from being pirated.