As Namibia joins the world in observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December, and as we hold the 5th National Men’s Conference hosted by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in Katima Mulilo from 8 to 9 December, a disturbing event occurred in Katima Mulilo and Zambezi region, recently. 

This happened just five days into the 16 Days of Activism. This crime is one of many that we read about every day in tabloids, see on the evening news, and hear about regularly in the Namibian Police Crime bulletins. According to the Namibian Police, neighbours heard a woman crying out for help around 21h00 but could not assist because the house was locked. 

They said they saw her husband, a 44-year-old, holding a knife before he turned off the lights. The husband later told neighbours to call the police, saying he was “done,” then fled barefoot. The police took the victim to Katima Mulilo State Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival due to multiple cuts on her face and head. Police found a bloodstained axe handle, human hair, and a smashed phone at the scene. The suspect turned himself in to the police after two days, on 2 December. This article examines possible solutions to address this national crisis that is ravaging families like a wildfire. While a family is meant to be a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, often living together and providing love, support, and a sense of belonging, what Namibia is witnessing is that the very support system designed to protect and care for its members has become the monster turned against itself. The family, which is the smallest unit of every community, is widely regarded as the primary social institution and the fundamental building block from which larger social structures like communities and nations are formed. When this very unit is under attack, what kind of nation are we going to become? The young lady who died in this tragic crime leaves behind two children who now struggle with trauma from losing their mother due to a brutal death inflicted by their own father. They are now scarred for life, as their only remaining parent is likely to face a long prison sentence. These children will experience what is often called the “silent sentence” for children, an emotional and psychological toll. They will face sadness, fear, confusion, and betrayal, along with social stigma and isolation. Furthermore, these children will face economic hardships since their father is now in prison, and their mother has passed away. To make matters worse, the majority of Africans support the deceased more than the living, and as a result, these children are likely to lack adequate support because they are often overlooked and forgotten, with their needs remaining unmet. 

Where have we gone wrong? 

How do we address this cancer of men turning against those that they are supposed to protect? Our Constitution’s preamble recognises the inherent dignity of all members of the human family and considers it, as indispensable for freedom, justice and peace. Has our Constitution become a living document, that translates into making Namibian families enjoy peace in their homes? Or has it remained a document that only shows what we aspire to achieve and do not have enablers to secure peace for our people? Furthermore, Article 14 of our Constitution, subsection (3), states that the family is the natural and fundamental unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. The question is, have we protected the family as a society and as a collective? And as a State, have we created an environment that safeguards the most vulnerable members of our country? Perhaps it is time to hold a nationwide discussion that addresses core issues affecting families in this country. These issues include regulations surrounding gambling and the issuance of gambling permits, as well as betting and its regulation. 

Issues surrounding liquor license regulations and alcohol abuse are prevalent in the country, yet the negative impacts of these celebrated vices are affecting us deeply. There are also issues of infidelity that are now accepted as normal. The influence of upbringing on how we become adults is another concern. 

Additionally, the trend of allocating small housing units has become widespread, with many Namibian families forced to live in single-room houses with their partners and children. 

Way forward

Let us address harmful cultural practices that we cherish, even though they perpetuate toxic masculinity. Let us transform the Namibian Police Force into a Namibian Police Service by making it service-oriented and intervention-focused. 

Let us reform the curriculum and include topics that help our children understand what family is supposed to be. Let us teach men to accept when their partners decide to end the relationship, regardless of the reasons for leaving. Let us teach our women to be vessels of honour. 

*Sinvula Mudabeti is the son of the soil.