WINDHOEK – A final report on the investigation surrounding the death of 26-year-old ‘struggle kid’ Frieda Ndatipo, who was shot during violent confrontations with the police on August 27 last year, is now with the Prosecutor-General’s (PG) Office.
Attorney General and Presidential Affairs Minister, Dr Albert Kawana, informed New Era yesterday that the Ndatipo file is now with the PG’s office.
Ombudsman Advocate John Walters, who was tasked to lead the inquiry into the controversial shooting of Ndatipo, was quoted this month by NBC saying that he is done with the report.
“Check with the Ombudsman, it was sent to the PG to take a decision on actions to be taken,” Kawana said.
Kawana added that the report was sent to his office with the view to study it and submit it to the Prosecutor General. “Constitutionally, the PG’s office falls under my office, but it’s independent of the decisions it takes,” he added.
Walters and the PG, Advocate Martha Imalwa could not be reached for comment. Last year Walters was timid on the findings of his team’s investigation when contacted by New Era. Last December he said that the report “does not have any recommendations at this stage”.
Prime Minister, Dr Hage Geingob, announced on August 29 last year that an investigation into the circumstances that led to Ndatipo’s death should be carried out.
Ndatipo was reportedly shot dead by a police officer during a confrontation with members of the law-enforcement unit, who were preventing the marching ‘struggle kids’ from entering the Swapo Party head office, where the group headed to demand jobs.
She was buried at her home village of Okongo in the Ohangwena Region. Ndatipo’s death was received with massive public outcry for justice to be served.
Currently, there are 68 ‘struggle kids’ camping at Okahandja Park, in a quest to get jobs from government. The number once stood at 181, some have since obtained jobs.