Windhoek
State House yesterday dismissed as “cheap politics” demands by Nudo that President Hage Geingob should engage former Koevoet and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF) members who are demanding war veteran status and benefits.
Presidential spokesperson Albertus Aochamub yesterday said: “It is very clear that Nudo is exploiting the plight of the former Koevoet for cheap political point-scoring and expediency.”
In a media statement on Wednesday, Nudo asked President Geingob to engage former members of the notorious counter-insurgency unit Koevoet and SWATF, saying if the issue is ignored it could end up like the case of the “struggle kids”.
However, Aochamub said government is ready to engage all citizens who are orderly, disciplined and reasonable in order to seek amicable solutions to the challenges that face the country.
“The Constitution guarantees all Namibian nationals certain freedoms, and this government is absolutely committed to uphold and protect” these rights, he said.
Aochamub advised anyone with a problem to approach the relevant government offices to deal with all matters of concern and not simply to launch street demonstrations as if that will solve their problems.
“Chaos cannot be condoned under any circumstances, but a peaceful and orderly approach is recommended at all times,” he said, urging aggrieved parties to petition or make written submissions on issues of concern to government, so that appropriate interventions can be devised.
Over 100 former Koevoet and SWATF soldiers have congregated at the OvaHerero Commando Hall in Katutura demanding war veteran status. They have been assembled there since the beginning of the year.
Koevoet was a paramilitary police counter-insurgency unit during the former South African regime’s illegal occupation of Namibia. Koevoet was led by the late general Hans Dreyer, who was notorious for committing acts of extreme brutality against Namibian civilians.