The Ondonga Traditional Authority has taken a stance to punish those violating Covid-19 public health regulations within its jurisdiction.
Ondonga King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo said letters have already been sent to traditional councillors and headmen, empowering them to mete out punishment at those found violating regulations, including the illegal sale of alcohol.
Nangolo urged communities to be extra vigilant as the Covid-19 outbreak is now much worse than it was in the beginning. “I am urging everyone to follow the regulations in place and that includes to cease visitations and refrain from attending large gatherings,” said Nangolo, who was speaking at Onambango on Tuesday.
The country is currently battling a Covid-19 third wave, which has resulted in sharply rising new infections and deaths due to the pandemic. Nangolo said although a large percentage of people are adhering to the regulations, he has received calls that a number of individuals are not complying with the public health measures introduced to help curb the further spread of the virus.
The king also urged those who are eligible for vaccination to get their jabs and encourage others to do the same in order to save lives as well as protect themselves from Covid-19. He stressed the vaccination campaign is essential in fighting Covid-19. “I encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated to get vaccinated,” said Nangolo, who also pleaded with Namibians to desist from spreading false information against the vaccination campaign.
An aide to the Ondonga king, Mannetjies Kambonde said the traditional authority will weigh in on the offence committed as well as the offender’s personal circumstances before deciding on what punishment to pass.