Six Namibians have reportedly been trafficked to Myanmar and are being held by the country’s military.
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi has confirmed that authorities are aware of the situation.
“The police are working in collaboration with the Ministry of International Relations and Trade. Government efforts are ongoing, and further information can be obtained from the international relations ministry,” Shikwambi says.
International relations ministry executive director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati has confirmed to The Namibian that the ministry is aware of the matter.
“We are working together with the relevant authorities on the matter, we will release a statement to update the nation tomorrow,” she says.
This comes after lawmaker Job Amupanda took to social media to highlight the situation.
According to Amupanda, the trafficked Namibians are Tequisha Samuels (22) from Swakopmund, Helena Nghifikwa (24) from Windhoek, David Kamwi (26) from Katima Mulilo, Julia Shityeni (29) from Epalala, Immanuel Haufiku (31) from Ohakadu and Ananias Shaanika (34) from Windhoek.
Amupanda adds that the six are being held at Shwe Kokko Park near the Thailand border, a site known as a hub for organised crime.
He accuses the government of remaining silent on the issue and failing to take decisive action to ensure the safe return of the Namibians.
“All six are alive, and we managed to make contact with them. What is worrying is that the government is doing nothing to bring our children home safely,” Amupanda says.
This is the second set of victims that have been trafficked to the southeast Asian country. Six Namibian nationals, five from Myanmar and one from Laos, were repatriated after they were trafficked between June 2024 and June 2025.
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