SWAKOPMUND – Swakopmund residents have called on neighbourhood watches and the Namibian police to be more visible at pubs and shebeens to ensure they strictly adhere to stipulated operating hours.
This follows after a 25- year-old man was killed several metres away from a popular drinking spot, Strong Bar in Mondesa, Swakopmund on Sunday morning.
Acting Regional Criminal Investigation Co-ordinator for the Erongo Region, Detective Chief Inspector Erastus Iikuyu, said two cousins argued while on their way home.
“ While arguing the minor apparently pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in his left chest, who died on the spot. The two were also spotted arguing in the bar,” he told New Era upon inquiry.
Residents who spoke to New Era said criminal activities take place daily in their neighbourhood, some of which are not even detected or reported.
Roberta Matsuis said illegal bars and shebeens have spiralled out of control in some suburbs in Swakopmund.
“The shebeens are not only a safety and noise pollution issue but a health concern as well. People are urinating left, right and centre and we are sick and tired of this. All hell breaks loose when you dare speak out. Something must be done,” she said.
According to Matsuis, children in the suburbs also had difficulty studying for their recently concluded grades 10 and 12 exams due to the excessive noise from pubs.
“It was difficult for our children to study for their final exams while music was being played at the loudest. We have complained numerous times about shebeens and bars but nothing happened up to now, therefore we want the police to do more patrols in our suburbs, especially Mondesa and Democratic Resettlement Community,” she stated.
A shebeen owner who did not want to be named admitted to New Era that shebeens are a disturbance especially if they operate beyond the stipulated time.
She however said she always tries to ensure she closes her shebeen on time as is statutorily required.
“I only operate my shebeen because I need to sustain my family. I have no education, no work experience and tried my best to search for a job, but could not find any. My brother assisted me to start my shebeen so that I don’t rely on him for money. This is how I feed my kids – my daughter just finished Grade 10, thanks to the money I made,” said the shebeen queen.
When contacted for comment, the Regional Commander for the Namibian Police in Erongo, Commissioner Samuel //Hoebeb, assured residents they will see more police patrols from next weekend.
“We are definitely gearing up for the festive season and will start with intensive patrolling from this weekend on. We will mainly focus on crimes such as robbery, assault and shebeens that don’t comply. If we definitely focus on the basics then we can be assured that we will prevent serious crimes such as murder,”//Hoebeb explained.
By Eveline de Klerk