KEETMANSHOOP – Members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, together with other sister churches in Keetmanshoop, recently staged a protest against the increasing number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the country.
During the handover of their petition to //Kharas Regional Police Commissioner Marius Katamila, spokesperson for the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church, Aletta Goliath, said the group stood united in mourning, solidarity, and in a firm demand for justice following the brutal and senseless rape and murder of several girls, young women, men and boys in Namibia.
“This act of evil is not only a crime against innocent inhabitants of our beloved country, but also a crime against humanity, the entire community, and the moral fabric that binds us together. As women and as a community, we condemn all forms of violence and violations of our people’s rights. We are calling on all law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary, and other institutions to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to book,” she emphasised.
Goliath added that her group supports a collaborative approach to preventing further heinous acts, and called for increased support to the judicial system through preventative measures—engaging the police, medical professionals, as well as religious and traditional leaders.
“We, as mothers, youth and children, will not rest until every member of our communities is safe. We further commit ourselves to advocacy, outreach and prayer, but also to action,” the petition read.
Shade Witbooi, a member of the Young People’s Association, said gender-based violence is not just a women’s or men’s issue, but a human rights, spiritual and justice matter.
“Let us always check on our communities, raise our boys to honour and respect girls, hold abusers accountable—irrespective of their status—and create safe spaces in our churches, homes and schools,” she urged.
New Era previously reported on the horrific kidnapping, rape and murder of five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp and six-year-old Roswinds Fabianu, who mysteriously disappeared from their school grounds in Okahandja in broad daylight. Their bodies were discovered days later in nearby bushes and under bridges, sending shockwaves across the nation.
It was further reported that the body of 15-year-old Beyoncé !Kharuxas was found just days later in the bushes near the Five Rand informal settlement in the garden town.
sklukowski@nepc.com.na