Christian coalition calls for death penalty after brutal crimes against women and children 

The Christian Coalition of Churches in Namibia has called for the reinstatement of the death penalty following a spate of brutal crimes against women and children countrywide.

This comes as the police’s crime report for the long weekend included more crimes committed against women and girls.
A toddler (3) was allegedly raped by her grandmother’s boyfriend (35) in Windhoek over the weekend.

The police say the toddler was admitted to Katutura Intermediate Hospital, and the suspect has been arrested.

In another incident at Katutura, a girl (15) was allegedly raped, beaten, strangled, and stabbed with a fork by her ex-boyfriend.

The nation is still in shock following the killing of Ingrid Maasdorp (5), Roswinds Fabianu (6) and Beyoncé !Kharuxas (15) from Okahandja, which has led to demonstrations calling for justice.

Okahandja has since been subjected to a curfew under police and military patrol.
This is according to a directive president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah issued last month.

‘AFFRONT TO HUMAN DIGNITY’

The executive chairperson of the Christian Coalition of Churches in Namibia, Shirley Magazi, in a statement yesterday said the killing of innocent and vulnerable Namibian women and children is highly concerning.

“These brutal acts have left the families deeply marred and sorrowful, have shaken communities, and sent shock waves throughout the nation,” she said.

Magazi urged the relevant authorities to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable.

“Once apprehended, and proven guilty, perhaps it is time for the reintroduction of the death penalty for such perpetrators, their accomplices, and any collaborators (if any),” she said.

‘BRING BACK BIBLE LESSONS’

Magazi said children deserve to grow up without fear, while also calling for the reintroduction of prayers and Bible lessons in schools.
She called for the introduction of an annual national prayer day to safeguard the nation.

Social activist Shaun Gariseb says he supports the call to reinstate the death penalty.

“The death penalty will deter these people, because currently they know they’ll get sentenced and eat three meals a day,” he says.

Gariseb says more investment is needed in closed-circuit television cameras to identify and catch criminals faster.
“But my stance is that we need a firmer deterrent,” he says.

‘ALARMED AND OUTRAGED’

Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu says the party is alarmed and outraged by the continuous and brutal killings, rapes, and abuse of women and children in the country.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones and extend our solidarity to the survivors of gender-based violence,” he says.

Iipumbu says while the party understands the deep anger and pain of communities, they must tread carefully and within the bounds of the Constitution and international commitments.

He says Namibia is a signatory to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which aims to abolish the death penalty.

In addition, he says the Constitution upholds the right to life and prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment.
Therefore, the death penalty is not a legally viable option under the current legal framework, Iipumbu says.

Landless People’s Movement national youth command leader Duminga Ndala says calls for the reintroduction of the death penalty should be seen as an attempt to deter violent crime.

She says as the justice system is not infallible, wrongful convictions could occur, and the death penalty is irreversible.

“Therefore, rather than reinstating capital punishment, Namibia should focus on strengthening law enforcement, enhancing judicial efficiency, and investing in preventative social programmes.

“Our goal should not only be to punish crime, but also to address its root causes,” Ndala says.

Former Rally for Democracy and Progress parliamentarian Kennedy Shekupakela says a proper study needs to be conducted to determine the cause of the tragedies, but cautions against jumping to conclusions too soon.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.