Lahja Nashuuta
Traditional leaders have been urged to involve the Namibian Police in community dispute resolution processes and public gatherings, following a deadly land dispute incident in the Oshikoto region.
The fatal incident took place at Onelago village. In the incident, a community member, Sinkus Johannes, allegedly gunned down Onelago village headman Sem Nepando and wounded Iikokola headman I-Ben Nashandi during a land dispute.
Nepando was at Iikokola in his capacity as deputy headman of Iikokola village.
According to police, the suspect is accused of illegally fencing off land, and the two headmen had gone to the village to mediate and resolve the matter when the attack occurred.
Senior headman and spokesperson of the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, Andrew Naikaku, said recent events signal an urgent need for increased protection of traditional leaders, who often face hostility while carrying out their duties.
“It is always challenging and dangerous to resolve disputes, especially when one party refuses to accept a ruling and becomes violent,” Naikaku said. He stressed that traditional authorities are government-recognised institutions entrusted with maintaining law and order and should be always protected.
Naikaku was reacting to an incident at Iikokola village, which he described as a clear indication that traditional leaders are increasingly at risk, particularly during community meetings.
“What happened in Iikokola village is a signal that traditional authorities are indeed vulnerable and need protection, especially during dispute-resolution meetings,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namibian Police have reiterated their call for traditional leaders and community members to inform and involve law enforcement when dealing with community courts, disputes, or any public gathering.
National police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, in an interview with New Era yesterday, reiterated the police mandate, stating that one of the primary functions of the Namibian Police is the protection of lives and property. “The police remain committed to safeguarding communities. It is therefore necessary for the public to always inform and involve their nearest police station, especially when there are public gatherings, demonstrations, or dispute-resolution processes,” she said.
She added that police– community engagement forms part of broader community policing and crime prevention efforts aimed at maintaining peace, safety, and order.
“Let us work together for the sake of peace and safer environments,” Shikwambi said.
-lnashuuta@nepc.com.na
