Walvis Bay
A desperate mother from Walvis Bay had to call in the Namibian police to intervene in an attempt to save her children from a local church that she believes has brainwashed her children.
Velonika Kautotwa, a factory worker at the harbour town, says her two boys, aged 15 and 17, who are currently in Grade 10 and 12, respectively, have been brainwashed to such an extent they even changed their names.
“They even went as far as selling their shoes, clothes and mobile devices just to give money to the church. Last weekend they went without my knowledge or permission to Windhoek to see the bishop, as the older one has [decided] to become a pastor,” Kautotwa told New Era.
She says the boys were also baptised at the sea by the church last year without the parents being consulted or giving their permission.
“My sons now bear new names. Apparently they don’t like the names on their birth certificates and want to be called Isaiah and Peter,” the distraught mother said.
She added that the boys are so committed to the church that they spend most of their time there. As a result their schoolwork is suffering.
“I don’t know what is happening to my children. They will leave the house at 05h00 to go to the church and then only proceed to school. After school it’s the same thing. You will only see them at home after 22h00,” she said.
She explained that her husband had on several occasions called the pastor but was told to speak to the children instead, “because the church does not interfere with God’s work”.
“A week ago my boys were taken to Windhoek. Apparently they were called by the pastor, so that the 17-year-old can be ordained to become a pastor. This was done without my knowledge and permission. My son even tells me he will drop out of school if he is needed as a pastor,” Kautotwa said .
The church could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Police community affairs officer Sergeant Ileni Shapumba told New Era the matter has been reported to them.
“We will take the matter up with the church and bring all the affected parties together to resolve the issue. The kids are attending very crucial grades and it is essential to make them, as well as the church, understand how important education is,” he said.