Information minister Peya Mushelenga is cautioning Namibians to be vigilant of scammers who have already started soliciting money in the name of late president Hage Geingob meant for burial.
Mushelenga said: “There are people who are going around, soliciting money claiming it to be for the funeral of the late president. The government would like to make it clear that it has not assigned anyone to solicit money for the mourning or funeral of the president,” warned Mushelenga yesterday during the briefing at the Government Information Centre.
He advised people who are approached through such means should immediately report these dubious acts to the Namibian Police.
Mushelenga added that the public is welcome to console the bereaved family at their residence but at least allow the family to mourn during the weekend.
“The daily programmes are continuing from 18h00 to 20h00 at the residence. During the weekend, we want to allow the family to rest. There will be no daily memorial service. From next week, we will change from the residence. We will advise in due course once the venue is known,” he indicated.
He stated that they have been inundated with requests from organisations or institutions that would like to host private small memorial services for their staff.
“They are welcome to do so but those who want to arrange for larger gatherings should obtain approval from the national preparatory committee going through the office of the executive director of MICT,” he said.
Furthermore, there are six official places where the book of condolences is signed: The Office of the Prime Minister, The Office of the Judiciary, the offices of the regional governors, the private residence and the missions abroad.
Additionally, Mushelenga advised all institutions to keep hanging the portrait of the late president until the government directs otherwise.