When Namibian heroes are being talked about, especially those who stood tall and firm during the country’s struggle for total liberation, one of the gallant sons of the soil is never mentioned.
Perhaps this is so because he was assassinated by unknown enemy agents, and whether his body received a dignified burial or was fed to the dogs of colonial masters remains a mistery.
Willibard Elago Ashikoto was a Swapo intelligence genius who, during the prime of his work, herded livestock and dined with the enemy under pretentious means meant to equip the then liberation movement with rich information regarding the colonial enemy.
It is perhaps due to the nature of his work that even his combat comrades knew little about his personal details, with many only knowing him as Ndjeke yaMalimba, his war name.
In fact, the narrator of the story, who shared trenches and crossed snake-infested forests with Ndjeke, had to call another combatant to confirm this fallen hero’s real name.
Apart from his bravery, little is known about Ndjeke. It is known that he hailed from Iihongo yaMvula village in the Oshikoto Region. It is also known that he died inside Namibia in 1982 while on an intelligence mission for Swapo.
Other than that, what is known about Ndjeke is his contribution towards Namibia’s independence which, according to friends, he held dear to his heart.
The narrator, a former Cabinet minister who only wants to be identified by his combat name Mhelekeshe Yomuthenu, was close to tears as he went down memory lane to the days in the struggle – particularly Ndjeke’s contribution.
“We called him ‘Dr Ashikoto’ because apart from being an accomplished intelligence officer, he administered first aid treatment for all of us,” said Mhelekeshe.
“His assignments were always carried out in extreme environments. He could operate as a Swapo combatant is full military uniform, but in intelligence mission, he could operate as a cattle herder without anyone realising anything to the contrary.
“He and some of us were trained at secret locations in Angola, as intelligence officers, but he was a cut from above. He was a sharp shooter, agile and he understood tactics to the book,” an emotional Mhelekeshe said.
“He was an accomplished freedom fighter. He was ambidextrous – meaning he could use both his left and right hands in equal fashion.”
Though small in physical stature, Ashikoto always carried the heaviest load when on a mission, his contemporary said.
“He never got tired. He never showed signs of fear. A quick thinker, he always took the right decision which helped us get out of difficult situations.”
It is narrated that Ashikoto always saw himself as a volunteer and the only reward he wanted for his brave participation in the struggle was freedom for Namibia.
“He was always prepared to die for Namibia. Sadly, he never lived to see the fruits of his contribution to independent Namibia.
“Him and another combatant by the name of Shapata travelled in a civilian bakkie in enemy territory from Okongo via Nkurenkuru to Rundu. The mission was to identify Swapo supporters who were willing to avail their homes to Swapo fighters who would operate clandestinely as civilians.
“Their mission was successful and virtually two brave Swapo fighters were identified and operated like local people in that area.”
Regrettably, Ashikoto was assassinated while on another mission inside Namibia in 1982. What is more regrettable is that his grave, if any, is unknown and this makes it difficult for this gallant son of the soil to receive the recognition and honour he truly deserves.