OUTAPI – President Hifikepunye Pohamba said the national prayers that were intended to bring an end to the killing of women were in vain.
Speaking at the Olufuko festival held last week, Pohamba said the ongoing violence against women at the hands of their male counterparts mostly their partners, many a time are a result of alcohol and/or drug abuse.
After the national prayers against gender-based violence women continue to lose their lives, he said.
“On 6 March this year, I called on the people of this country – because we are Christians – to pray for peace. I was thinking that after that day of prayers, the killing of women would come to an end … I was wrong. The killing continues,” he said.
“Nujoma has said it, and I am saying it, let us stop killing our mothers. Let us stop this barbaric behaviour caused by drinking. It all starts with men going to cuca-shops and then they are joined by women. The children are at home cooking for themselves. You drink and you forget that you have children at home. You drink and when you go home, you go and kill others. When I see this kind of situation, I am wondering what kind of people I am leading,” said Pohamba.
Ever since the national prayer days, a number of women have been killed, including Teofilia Hamukoto, 27, who was murdered earlier this month by a “born again” Christian and preacher from Oshana Region; Bernadine Baumgarten from Erongo and Tulipomewene Magono Emili, 22, from Oshana Region who lost their lives to gender-based violence.
All the suspects in these incidents are either boyfriends or estranged lovers to the victims.
“Please accept the word of appeal from the previous president, please accept the word of appeal from the current president, let us stop this,” said Pohamba.