Hilma Nakanduungile
ONAMUTANDA – The late retired lieutenant general Lucas Petrus Hangula, well known as ‘Fogo’, who died on 21 June 2021, was laid to rest yesterday at Onamutanda Cemetery in the Endola constituency of the Ohangwena region.
Hangula was a freedom fighter, who served in various leadership capacities during Namibia’s liberation struggle and post-independence – and for this, mourners extoled him for his pivotal role.
After independence, he was appointed as a senior official in the ministry of home affairs. In 1995, he was appointed as inspector general of the Namibian Police, with a rank of lieutenant general. He was then appointed as director general and later as advisor of Namibia Central Intelligence Services (NCIS) until his retirement in 2020.
As a veteran of the liberation struggle, Hangula was conferred with the Most Excellent Order of the Eagle – First Class on 21 March 2010.
In a speech, read on his behalf, President Hage Geingob described the late Hangula as a man of extraordinary mental aptitude and undaunted courage, and these qualities made him an outstanding individual in all walks of life. He added that the late Hangula has astoundingly transformed the military and intelligence fraternity.
“Throughout his tenure at the helm of this vital organisation, he always displayed stellar professionalism, utmost loyalty and supreme vigilance. Today, the NCIS is better equipped to execute its mandate – thanks in part to the robust teamwork that comrade Hangula instilled in the organisation over the years. Comrade Hangula is a true stalwart in the military and intelligence fraternity,” said Geingob.
Founding President Sam Nujoma also described the late Hangula as relentless, fearless and devoted freedom fighter, who persevered under all circumstances and never wavered until the attainment of Namibia’s independence.
Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, in his speech, stressed that Hangula has played a crucial role of national blending and reconciliation among uniform members and the society at large.
“In particular, late Hangula is acknowledged for his contribution to the implementation of a policy of national reconciliation, the process of demilitarisation, consolidation of Namibian uniform fraternity and adherence to constitutional provisions – a task that he was able to carry with resolve and great sacrifice. His devotion to territorial integrity and nationhood building is extraordinary and stretches throughout his entire life,” said Pohamba.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said the late Hangula served Namibians with distinct honour and dedication.
“His immense contributions to the work of Swapo will go down into the annals of history. He served Swapo until his final days. His genuine advice will forever be missed in Swapo,” said Shaningwa.
The late Hangula is survived by his wife and four children.
Meanwhile, the late Nakale Leo Mweshilengelwa, who was also a veteran of the liberation struggle, was also laid to rest on 10 July 2021 at Omufituwenghete Cemetery in the Omusati region.
The late Mweshilengelwa died on 28 June 2021, and was accorded an official burial.
He joined Swapo and People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) in 1963, on whose behest he operated from inside the country.
In a speech, read on his behalf, Geingob described the late Nakale as one of the brave Swapo and PLAN cadres, who used to escort Namibians to cross the Angolan borders – sometimes walking hundreds of kilometres to join Swapo in exile as freedom fighters.
“Premised on his patriotic love for his country and people, comrade Mweshilengelwa has fought and won the good fight for Namibia’s independence. To the very last, he strongly cherished the ideal of a united, free, non-racial, non-tribal Namibia in which his children and future generations of Namibians would live in peace, stability and prosperity side-by-side as equal citizens,” said Geingob.
The late Mweshilengelwa is survived by his wife.