By Alvine Kapitako
WINDHOEK – A final report on the investigation surrounding the death of 26-year-old ‘struggle kid’ Frieda Ndatipo, who was shot during violent confrontations with the police on August 27 this year, will be handed over to Attorney General Albert Kawana today.
Ombudsman John Walters, whose office was tasked to carry out a thorough investigation into Ndatipo’s death, told New Era he would hand the report to Kawana who will accept it on behalf of government.
Walters was coy on the findings of his team’s investigation. He also said the report “does not have any recommendations at this stage”.
He explained that he did not make recommendations because “somebody died and they may still decide to prosecute”.
The ombudsman said he has invited input from the Ministry of Safety and Security, which will be done as soon as the report is handed to Kawana.
Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob announced on August 29 that an investigation into the circumstances that led to Ndatipo’s death should be carried out.
Geingob, who is now the country’s president-elect, mandated Walters to lead the investigation. Walters, who sounded satisfied on the timeframe of the investigation as well as the compilation of the final report, said the investigation took three months.
Ndatipo was reportedly shot dead by a police officer during a confrontation with members of the law-enforcement unit who were preventing the marching ‘struggle kids’ from entering the Swapo Party head office, where the group headed to demand jobs.
She was buried at her home village of Okongo in the Ohangwena Region. Ndatipo’s death was received with massive public outcry for justice to be served.