I write this letter with a view to dispel certain wrong impressions regarding myself and which owe to some of the articles reported in the media primarily concerning the death of Mr Christoph Weka and the occupation of Shamvhura Camp, by Mr Paxton of Quito Kavango Adventure Safaris.
Naturally, the writers have the right to express their views. However, it has been unfortunate that some of these writers have made covert references to me which are wrongful and provocative.
On the first issue, it is now general knowledge that the Namibian Police are presently conducting an investigation into the death of Mr Christoph Weka.
Having consulted my legal advisors, I would prefer not to pre-empt the police investigations in this regard and therefore I would reserve my full personal comments pending the completion of the police investigations in the matter. I am however compelled to respond to some of the recent articles in the media which are potentially misleading.
The deceased person is a close relative of mine and he was up until the time of his death the caretaker of a piece of land which I lawfully occupy. It is correct that I am the lawful owner of the firearm, which was allegedly discovered by Mr Paxton contemporaneously to the death of Mr Christoph Weka.
I state ‘allegedly’ because I was not personally there to witness this discovery and I cannot therefore confirm it. I can however confirm that I had lawfully entrusted the firearm to the deceased as part of his duties as the caretaker.
I did not abandon my firearm on the riverbank as some may suggest. It is potently incorrect and irresponsible for anyone without the full appreciation of the events to declare that my firearm was “abandoned” by the lawful owner on the banks of the river.
I expect that the Namibian Police will confirm in their investigations as to how the firearm and those items belonging to the deceased came to be discovered on the banks of the river as was reported.
I also believe that the Namibian Police will carry out their duties as best they can, and not act on the whims of “fair assumptions” as is suggested per the article by D Nickelson placed in The Namibian daily, October 12, 2007.
I have not placed the blame on any particular person for the death of the deceased. I would only be in a position to do so once the police have made their investigations positively and publicly.
If anyone has formed any conclusions as to the person responsible for the death of the deceased, that person has done so for their own particular reasons which do not concern me.
As far as I am concerned, the death of Mr C Weka is a very tragic incident and a fearful experience for the community and deserves serious consideration and investigation.
It is therefore proper that those persons with information in the matter assist the police and for those without, to allow the police to go about their business.
The second issue pertains to the occupation of Shamvhura Camp by Mr Paxton of Quito-Kavango Adventure Safaris. This issue has similarly been wrought with wrong and grave insinuations against me. I am acquainted with the developments in this matter by virtue of the public office which I hold, and furthermore as a resident and community member of the concerned area.
Most importantly, this area of Shamvhura is within the communal land preserve, and is therefore correctly under the domain and jurisdiction of the Traditional Authorities of the area, namely the Gciriku Traditional Authority.
I am aware that the right of occupation to the camp was awarded by the Traditional Authority to its present occupier. It would therefore be appropriate that the present dispute concerning the rights of occupation be resolved under the directions of the Traditional Authority, who are after all, the lawful owners and custodians of the land.
The formal government structure has been involved in this matter due to the necessary relationship between government, the Traditional Authority and the community.
I am the elected political representative of the area, and during 2002, as the then Chairperson of the Regional Council, I served to receive the concerns from a gathering of Shamvhura area community members.
I forwarded those concerns to the Ministry of Lands, which thereafter held several interactions with the occupiers of Shamvhura Camp.
I have no personal interest in the disputes of Mr Paxton and the community, contrary to the impression which some have attempted to create.
Yet, I have received threats of legal action and I am prepared to confront such challenges in Court or at whichever forum. The members of the community are at liberty to hold their own views on matters which affect them, and I therefore dismiss those attempts to use (my) name in order to avoid the concerns of the community.
The most appropriate course for the occupiers of Shamvhura Camp would be to approach the lawful owners of the land, i.e. the Traditional Authority, for their direction on the matter.
Furthermore, should the occupiers of Shamvhura Camp experience problematic interactions with the community members, it is appropriate that they bring that to the attention of the community leaders for resolution. It will be of no use to point fingers and make threats towards me.
I would again request anyone harbouring any negative agenda against me to immediately stop with their falsehoods and malicious campaigns.
Sebastian Karupu (Hon)