Matheus Hangula
Namibia is among the African countries with a high number of passion killings reported daily.
Passion killing is defined as murder cases that happen between intimate partners, such as husband and wife (couples), more particularly between so-called boyfriends and girlfriends. Khomas, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Omusati are the regions known for high murder cases reported among lovers. Relationships are meant to be healthy and built on respect for one another and being there for someone. That is what real relationships should be.
Where do men develop feelings about killing their loved ones? I mean, how could you kill someone whom you promised to love for the rest of your life?
Some men even go to the extent of promising and saying sweet words such as ‘I love you from bottom of my heart’, meaning they are supposed to love their wives or girlfriends for the rest of their lives. Article 6 of the Namibia constitution states clearly that the right to life shall be respected and protected. Again, Article 8 of the Namibian constitution makes it clear that respect for human dignity shall be guaranteed.
We still remember the tragic killings of Mirjam Nandjato, a young lady who was an employee at Namibia Institute of Pathology; the murder of a 24-year-old Lavinia Nekundi (my cousin) in 2020, who was a student at IUM, Ongwediva. May their souls continue resting in peace.
All these incidents tell us how men are mentally sick – and at some point, what puzzles me more is that some men killed their wives or girlfriends who were taking care of them. The research that I have conducted indicated that some passion killings are mainly caused by alcohol and drug abuse.
Most Namibian men consume alcohol.
When a person is under the influence of alcohol, his mind no longer functions normally – and as a result, he may end up committing crimes. Another factor is the lack of education and the unequal distribution of resources among our people.
Most Namibians are poor. This poverty makes people frustrated and angry. Jealousy also plays a major role in passion killings. On top of that, materialistic individuals can cause strain on relationships. The removal of religious and moral education in government schools, childhood experiences and injuring people’s human dignity also negatively impact relationships.
Mitigating passion killings
Community-based supporting centres should be established to educate men about the importance and value of women in society. Government enact stricter laws. For example, if two people want to be in a relationship, they must sign a contract at a police station. Non-governmental organisations should deploy their social workers or counsellors to remote areas to provide counselling support to men.
Stiff sentences for those found guilty of these barbaric acts should be the norm.
I fully agree with the member of parliament Winnie Moongo, who advocates for the introduction of a sex offenders’ register. This should also be expanded to include murderers.
“Women will never flourish if they still live in fear because hundreds of Namibia women have fallen victims to heartless men of this country. Let us all continue fighting to liberate our mothers and sisters from men with barbaric behaviour. Men stop it!
Lastly, I call upon the law enforcement agencies to do more to combat the evil of crime and bring all perpetrators to book.
* Matheus Hangula is a student counsellor at the National Institute of Technology.