The top trending and quite disturbing clip circulating on social media is of several mourners seen gathered en masse, some spinning cars and one seen discharging live ammunition rounds at the Gammams Cemetery in Pioneerspark while other funerals were underway.
In the 30-second clip, a red BMW is seen spinning among the crowd before coming to a halt as another vehicle takes over the spinning. Amidst this, a man, later identified as 26-year-old Onesmus Haiyanga, is seen discharging a firearm in the air.
The ‘After Tears’ party of that same funeral also descended into chaos when police officers turned up to make arrests and break up the large crowd there.
Some 27 male suspects were arrested for failing to obey instructions issued under regulations on public gatherings.
Haiyanga appeared in court this week on two charges: possessing a firearm without a licence, and discharging a firearm in a public place.
With the number of Covid-19 burials happening, health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula stated that no family or community in this country has not been touched by the impact of the pandemic.
With the tremendous pressure on the healthcare system, he pleaded with Namibians to adhere to Covid-19 rules and regulations. But these pleas seem to fall on deaf ears, forcing the justice and law-enforcement agencies to work around the clock to maintain law and order.
“We need to adjust and conform to the new imperatives imposed on us by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is specifically true in respect of the way we mourn and bury our loved ones.
Covid-19 burials must conform to procedures for safe burials,” stressed Shangula recently.
He added that Covid-19 burials must strictly take place within 10 days after a death had occurred.
The attendance at the burial site is limited to 10 mourners only, and a physical distance of not less than 1.5 metres must be maintained at all times.
“It is discouraged for mourners to congregate thereafter, either at the residence of the deceased person, or at any other place. It is also discouraged to serve meals after the burial.
Where food is to be served, it must be on a takeaway basis,” detailed the minister.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na