•  December 2000February 2001 Local News Headlines

Friday, February 23, 2001 - Web posted at 8:00:31 AM GMT

NDF dismisses reporton Caprivi missing
TANGENI AMUPADHI

THE Ministry of Defence has reacted strongly to a report in The Namibian on Tuesday about 18 young men from West Caprivi who went missing after they were rounded up by Namibian soldiers last August.

Vincent Mwange of the Ministry's Liaison and Public Relations Division issued a press statement saying the reports "are mere propaganda.....aimed at tarnishing the good reputation of the NDF [ Namibia Defence Force] and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve".

Mwange denied the Ministry had the power to arrest and detain people who pose a security threat to the country.

The Namibian reported that the army has no power of arrest, but villagers have accused soldiers of carrying out illegal arrests and detentions.

The latest known incident took place last month.

Mwange has not denied that soldiers have rounded up civilians.

The defence spokesman said those who felt "aggrieved" by the behaviour of soldiers should report cases of human rights abuse to the Police."

"It would also be to the benefit of reporters to verify their reports with the relevant authority before rushing to publish misleading [stories]," said Mwange.

The Namibian provided the names of 15 of the missing 18 to the Ministry of Defence while seeking comment about their fate.

The Ministry merely continued to insist that it does not arrest or detain people.

The 15 names of the young men relatives said were rounded up by soldiers on August 16 are: John Muyambo; Sandie Dikoro; Dinyando Kayawe; Mayimba Rambu; Reno Dikoro; Mathies Kavari; Munda Dindo; Jamie Giombo; Eddie Boshof; Mbumbo Kapinga; Tauzen Mbongi; Kavengere Dimbore; Guto Andreas; N.Umo Nyambi; Sami Gumbo.

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