Former Special Field Force commander Ben Shikongo believes former director general of the Namibia Central Intelligence Services (NCIS) Lucas Hangula should be honoured with a state funeral, befitting his status as a struggle icon.
Shikongo, who is now the president of the Namibia National Liberation Veterans’ Association (NNLVA), said Hangula was a true son of the soil and a hero to many.
Hangula, who was well-known as Fogu, died on Monday after a short illness.
Shikongo described the late Hangula as a man of principle, who served his nation with pride and dignity. He described how Hangula started in the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), the armed wing of Swapo, as a bazooka operator and through many battles gained the respect and recognition from the leaders to become a leader himself.
“Fogu made an immense contribution to the liberation struggle that cannot be ignored,” Shikongo said. He further said that Hangula was at the forefront of the fight for liberation and served in various capacities at the front.
He also served as camp commander of the Tobias Hainyeko training centre, where Shikongo also served as an instructor.
During Hangula’s stint as the police chief, he appointed Shikongo as the commander of the Special Field Force, a position he held until his retirement.
Hangula served as police inspector general from 1995 to 2005 before being appointed as the spy agency’s chief in 2005 until 2015.
However, he was retained at the
spy agency by President Hage Geingob in an advisory capacity until his retirement last year. Shikongo further added he and the entire rank and file of Swapo, the members of the police force and NCIS had immense respect and admiration for Hangula.
Shikongo appealed to all Namibians to pay tribute to a man whose sacrifices paved the way for Namibia’s independence.
Hangula is survived by his wife and four children.