WALVIS BAY – The community should play an active role to identify and report domestic violence incidents within the society.
This sentiment was expressed by the Deputy Mayor of Walvis Bay, Penelope Martin, who made the appeal on Saturday during a prayer session that was held at the town to pray for Gender Based Violence victims and the upsurge incidents of armed robbery and burglary among others.
The session follows shortly after the burial of Cheryl Avihe Ujaha, (9) who was brutally murdered after she was reported as missing three days prior to her death and for which a N$100 000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of her murderer/s is offered.
Her death shocked the entire nation as her family and friends are still battling to come to terms with her brutal and senseless murder.
Her death brought into sharp focus the social evils and constant acts of brutalisation of Namibian women, children and vulnerable members of society faces in the country.
Martin who also runs a welfare organisation that empowers women and children, indicated that crime cannot be ignored and that it is not only the responsibility of the government but should be collectively addressed by all members of society.
“We should rather report criminal activities instead of ignoring it. That is our societal responsibility. So let us join hands and report such activities and avoid another brutal murder. Let’s also encourage those suffering in silence to speak out, only then will we have a safer community,” she said.
Adelheid Kandjala, the Special advisor of the Erongo governor said only prayer sessions will help Namibia in solving and arresting those responsible for such brutal crimes.
Hence, she says Namibians need to host prayer sessions on a continuous basis.
“We cannot allow the devil to have authority in our country. We must stay on our knees and pray for our children, our government and police so that we eliminate these violent crimes from our country,” she said.