By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – With the recent horrific murder of a woman who was chopped into pieces, Women’s Action for Development (WAD) urges women, especially those working as commercial sex workers, to know that their profession is high risk.
At the graduation ceremony of 24 members of ‘King’s Daughters’ yesterday, Executive Director of WAD, Veronica de Klerk, told 24 members of ‘King’s Daughters’ that women who still pursue commercial sex work should know that violence and a gruesome death await them. ‘King’s Daughters’ are women who formerly worked as sex workers but have decided to go for training to secure permanent and more socially acceptable careers.
“I wish to therefore caution that with the suspected serial killer still at large, commercial sex workers are the greatest at risk, to fall prey to the gruesome deeds of the killer whose head is wanted by the entire nation,” she warned.
She reiterated that sex workers are playing a dangerous game with casual sex clients because they would not be able to tell which of their clients has a hidden agenda.
De Klerk called on women “who love their lives, to view commercial sex work, nightclubs, bars and isolated back streets, as danger spots. Women should at all costs avoid these danger spots and be safely indoors.”
The latest incident discounts the notion that hunger kills now while AIDS later, she said.
“Instead of appeasing your hunger, your body can be revoltingly chopped into pieces and thrown into rubbish bins like garbage,” said De Klerk.
It is believed that the killer seems to be focusing on vulnerable sex workers who are driven to the streets by poverty.
WAD condemned the senseless killings and vowed to make public the findings of the much anticipated research report of the tri-partnership, which consists of WAD, the Ministry of Safety and Security and the University of Namibia.
The research, which looks into the depths of violence, was conducted over the past two years and will be ready soon.
To the graduates, De Klerk said they were strong enough to tear themselves away from their previous lives.
“With that alone, you have shown great strength and courage,” she said.
She said they have what it takes to make a success of life other than on the streets.
The ‘King’s Daughters’ graduates successfully completed courses with WAD trainers in computer literacy, office administration, typing, effective project management and advanced tailoring.