Eveline de Klerk
Festus Hamalwa
Domestic violence has resulted in the death of a 34-year-old mother from Okombahe last Friday, while another survived a brutal attack and stab wounds by her ex-partner in Swakopmund over the same weekend.
A third woman also survived a panga attack by her ex-lover in the Oshali village, Ohangwena region on Saturday.
Both the Erongo-based women had withdrawn domestic violence cases they had made against the suspects.
According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba of the Erongo Police, the suspect in the murder case of mother of six children, Beverly Theresia /Nanus from Okombahe was recently released from police custody after the now deceased withdrew a domestic violence case that was being investigated against him. Shapumba said a fight broke out between the two, and in the process, the boyfriend struck the deceased with a big stone on the right side of her head, causing serious injuries. Other injuries include a deformity in the upper arm (fracture), a deep stab wound on her left leg, bruises, and other visible injuries all over her body, resulting in her death.
He said the suspect allegedly tried to cover up the crime scene. However, neighbours who heard the commotion found him and alerted the police. He was arrested and charged with murder and obstruction of justice.
The police further said that /Nanus and the suspect, with whom she shares one child, had an intense argument over their relationship just before she was killed. Those close to the deceased indicated that she wanted to end her relationship with the 26-year-old suspect due to constant abuse.
A resident of Okombahe told New Era that the two were living together with /Nanus’ mother, and she allegedly wanted him to move out. As a result, they ended up arguing.
The second victim, who survived the brutal attack by her ex-partner, was admitted to the Swakopmund hospital for stab wounds. According to Shapumba, the suspect who has been arrested used a bottle to launch an attack on the woman.
Police stance
“The fact that both these victims had withdrawn cases that were under investigation is very concerning. As law enforcement officials in the region, we have reiterated our stance that any victim who wishes to withdraw the gender-based violence-related case can only do that in court,” Shapumba said.
He said that despite all efforts by the police, some victims continue to be subjected to attacks by those with whom they sympathise. “Yet we must protect them. But what else can we do to protect the victims? What else can we do as communities to protect ourselves?” he questioned. The panga attack victim from Oshali claims that she too had been physically abused several times by her boyfriend.
Trifina Haimbodi is now at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital after suffering panga cuts to her one arm on Saturday evening when she ended the relationship.
She said they have been dating since last year but have on various occasions ended the relationship but ended up back together again.
The suspect, Fillemon Ndaumbwa (34) was denied bail when he made his first appearance at the Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
When New Era visited her at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital Tuesday, Haimbodi narrated that she was attacked while sleeping. “He asked me why I want to end our relationship. He told me if I dump him, I will not be alive,” she narrated.
“My children rushed to alert the neighbours. They found me in a pool of blood,” she said. Haimbodi said she regrets falling in love with Ndaumbwa because he broke her arm and abused her severely.
“I am the breadwinner in our house. I used to sell goods at my sheeben to feed my family. Now I am unable to do anything because my arm is injured,” she stressed.
Report abusive partners
Haimbodi advises other victims of domestic violence to stop hesitating on reporting abusive partners before it is too late.
“I am realising now that as women, we must not be ashamed of reporting abuse. We must speak up before it is too late.”
In an exclusive interview with New Era recently, gender equality minister Doreen Sioka said domestic violence should not fall on the shoulders of the victims only, but the people close by should also report trends of abuse when they spot them.
“Neighbours should also report the matter to the police, traditional leaders and our regional offices. All domestic violence activities should be reported on time so that the victims get assisted before the situation gets worse,” she said.
She added that people should work together in their communities to fight against domestic violence.