Kaviveterue Virere
The Ganja Users of Namibia (GUN) are calling for a rational and evidence-based discussion in the wake of recent protests in Okahandja, against the granting of bail for accused in a cannabis-related case.
The Okahandja protesters, led by Johannes Gaseb, rallied against bail for individuals allegedly linked to a N$52 million cannabis plantation, claiming that farming cannabis is a societal evil.
GUN’s president Brian Jaftha emphasised that, according to Namibian law, Section 60 of the Criminal Procedure Act, every accused person is entitled to apply for bail, regardless of the nature of the alleged crime and Article 12 of the Namibian Constitution upholds the principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Residents have no right to label accused persons as guilty criminals until a court has made a final determination. Therefore, Jaftha urged the Okahandja community to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to carry out their duties without undue pressure or interference.
Jaftha referred to the tragic case of Ellest “Speedy” Plaatjie, who reportedly died following police brutality over a small amount of cannabis used for epilepsy.
Concurring with him, GUN’s secretary Borro Ndungula believes enforcing outdated, apartheid-era laws that criminalise a plant with proven therapeutic benefits is an injustice.
“A regulated cannabis industry ensures adult access to safe, tested products while implementing age restrictions to prevent youth access,” says Ndungula.
The two understands the residents’ concerns about the high crime rate in the town and they responded to community concern about raising crime in Okahandja by saying that “Namibian Police data from 2023-2024 reveals that alcohol-related violence and accidents account for approximately 60% of incarcerations for violent crimes and traffic-related offences, while cannabis-related incidents represent less than 5%.”
They contend that legalising cannabis would help break up criminal networks and raise money for social services through taxes. According to Jaftha, Namibia may emulate nations whose legalisation has boosted healthcare systems, produced jobs, and enhanced public safety.
Gaseb, Pastor Caroline Engelbrecht, and others have now been invited by the organisation to participate in an open public discussion. They hope that such a discussion will clarify the cannabis reform issue and replace fear with facts.
Photo: Heather Erdmann