KATIMA MULILO – Former DTA lawmaker and Caprivi high treason convict Geoffrey Mwilima died in a Windhoek hospital yesterday, barely a month after his release from prison on remission. 

Mwilima (70), who had spent years incarcerated in connection with the long-running Caprivi treason case, was released in December 2025 on remission. After his release, Mwilima was warmly welcomed by his family, relatives and friends in the Zambezi region. 

However, he was taken to Windhoek this month, where he has been receiving medical treatment. According to family members, he suffered from kidney complications and was hospitalised at the time of his death. 

Yesterday in Kanono, Mwilima’s birthplace, the mood was sombre. Kanono Induna Bothman Sekute, who is also Mwilima’s uncle, described his passing as a heavy blow to both the family and the wider Zambezi region. 

“He was a humble man, very kind and calm. He united people. He was disciplined and always encouraged us to stand together.” 

Sekute recalled that upon his release from prison in December last year, Mwilima immediately called for reconciliation. 

“He told us we should forget everything that happened in the past and move forward together. There were many allegations about who reported him and what led to his arrest, but he told us to stop talking about those things and unite,” he said. 

According to Sekute, Mwilima’s health challenges began during his incarceration. 

“His kidneys were not functioning well. As a family, we believe his health deteriorated after the trauma he endured in jail. This month he was taken back to Windhoek for treatment, and that is where he remained until he passed away,” he said. 

Reacting to the new Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani strongly criticised government authorities, saying repeated warnings about Mwilima’s deteriorating health were ignored. 

“For years, I have been warning the government, writing letters to the president, to commissioners, and to the ministry of prisons and home affairs, demanding the release of Geoffrey Mwilima on account of his ill health,” Venaani said. 

Venaani said Mwilima was released too late. 

“They just released the man when they realised he was dying. It’s only a month after his release, and now he’s dead. That’s what I was warning about — that the man’s health condition was unbearable for him to remain in prison. History has vindicated me for what I have been warning,” he said. 

Before his imprisonment, Mwilima served as a DTA Member of Parliament and was regarded as a respected political figure. Venaani described him as “a very jovial character, a very brilliant mind, and a great parliamentarian.” 

“He was a man who wanted and was ready to reconcile,” Venaani said, adding that he personally led several efforts aimed at bringing amnesty and closure to the treason matter. 

While acknowledging that they later differed politically over secessionist actions, Venaani emphasised their enduring personal bond. 

“I visited him more than seven times in prison. He called me more than 40 times during the years of his incarceration,” Venaani said. “To me, Mwilima was a father figure, a friend and a brother, and I mourn his passing with a very deep heart.” 

He extended condolences to Mwilima’s wife and family, saying, “Please accept that it is God who gives and who takes. May the name of the Lord be praised.” 

– anakale@nepc.com.na