HAN, NCCI demand action on violent crime

TWO organisations yesterday condemned the recent spate of brutal murders of women, saying violent crimes have a detrimental effect on all sectors of society.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) called on Government to take immediate action following last week’s two murders to show criminals in the country that they are not in control. Another call for better co-operation between Government and the private sector came from Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) President Inge Zaamwani.Two women, one in Windhoek and one in Swakopmund, were shot to death last week for their handbags within five days of each other.Gitta Paetzold of HAN said that while the Namibian tourism industry was experiencing a decrease in business, the senseless killing of innocent people would have further detrimental effects on tourism for years to come.”The issue of crime has been at the forefront of media reports, public debate and general discussions for very long, but it would seem that so far only superficial lip-service is being paid to this issue with no concrete plans of action on how to curb crime in Namibia,” said Paetzold.She added that the recent incidents had shown that Namibia was in need of stricter laws against crime to discourage individuals from resorting to senseless killings and the taking of human lives in exchange for a simple handbag.”We urge Government to make this issue a priority to safeguard Namibia’s image as a safe and unique tourism destination.”Zaamwani said crime was a security threat and a disincentive to investment, productivity, development and social harmony.”Fighting it is a challenge that society must face unflinchingly.”We believe that unless crime is confronted and addressed vigorously and without compromise, we cannot hope to develop our wonderful country to its full potential.”She added that business, being the economic engine of society, was both directly and indirectly impacted by crime.Zaamwani called on every citizen in the country to work with the law enforcement agencies to help control crime and violence.”The NCCI calls for an end to the wanton and senseless taking of human life that continues unabated in the society.Co-operation between the public and the police forces is one of the strongest ways of sending a message to the criminals trying to take over our country.Crime must be seen as requiring attention from all individual Namibians, the Government and the business community,” she said.She also called on businesses to offer all the necessary assistance to law enforcement agents and to do everything in their power to prevent crime against their properties, employees, fellow citizens and visitors.Another call for better co-operation between Government and the private sector came from Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) President Inge Zaamwani.Two women, one in Windhoek and one in Swakopmund, were shot to death last week for their handbags within five days of each other.Gitta Paetzold of HAN said that while the Namibian tourism industry was experiencing a decrease in business, the senseless killing of innocent people would have further detrimental effects on tourism for years to come.”The issue of crime has been at the forefront of media reports, public debate and general discussions for very long, but it would seem that so far only superficial lip-service is being paid to this issue with no concrete plans of action on how to curb crime in Namibia,” said Paetzold.She added that the recent incidents had shown that Namibia was in need of stricter laws against crime to discourage individuals from resorting to senseless killings and the taking of human lives in exchange for a simple handbag.”We urge Government to make this issue a priority to safeguard Namibia’s image as a safe and unique tourism destination.”Zaamwani said crime was a security threat and a disincentive to investment, productivity, development and social harmony.”Fighting it is a challenge that society must face unflinchingly.”We believe that unless crime is confronted and addressed vigorously and without compromise, we cannot hope to develop our wonderful country to its full potential.”She added that business, being the economic engine of society, was both directly and indirectly impacted by crime.Zaamwani called on every citizen in the country to work with the law enforcement agencies to help control crime and violence.”The NCCI calls for an end to the wanton and senseless taking of human life that continues unabated in the society.Co-operation between the public and the police forces is one of the strongest ways of sending a message to the criminals trying to take over our country.Crime must be seen as requiring attention from all individual Namibians, the Government and the business community,” she said.She also called on businesses to offer all the necessary assistance to law enforcement agents and to do everything in their power to prevent crime against their properties, employees, fellow citizens and visitors.