SHELLEYGAN PETERSEN and ELIASER NDEYANALE
SOUTH African opposition leader Julius Malema yesterday condemned the arrest of the Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters’ (NEFF) Jan-Epafras Mukwiilongo and labelled the Swapo-led Namibian government as corrupt.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari hit back yesterday evening, saying Malema must focus on South African affairs and not on an independent Namibia.
“Namibia is not a colony of South Africa. We do not accept interference in our affairs
Our country is run by law and order. Any action that is contrary to the rule of law will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
He also labelled Malema’s comments as inappropriate, saying in terms of governance, Namibia is well run.
Malema was addressing a media conference in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, yesterday, when he said: “We condemn the Namibian government for the arrest of EFF members of parliament and EFF activists who are militantly fighting against the corrupt government of Swapo.” He was speaking in reference to the arrests of the NEFF leader and others.
Malema said his organisation demands the release of NEFF activists and all those who were arrested.
“We cautioned the Namibian government that we don’t allow the harassment of EFF leaders and anyone in the African continent,” Malema said.
NEFF leader Mukwiilongo, Affirmative Repositioning movement (AR) activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma and six others were arrested on Friday following a protest at China Town in Windhoek.
Another NEFF member, Michael Amushelelo, was arrested on Friday morning when he handed himself over to the police in Windhoek, following police inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga’s order that Amushelelo should be taken into custody.
Information minister Peya Mushelenga, who is the official government spokesperson, denied knowledge of Malema’s comments when asked about the South African politician’s assertion that the Swapo-led government is corrupt.
“Well, I haven’t seen the video and as it involves a foreign leader … call the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation,” Mushelenga said.
Executive director in the information ministry Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana refused to comment on the matter, and said he stands with Mushelenga.
Swapo spokesperson Hilma Nicanor, as well as the party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa, could also not comment on the matter, saying they were busy.
The party executive director Austin Samupwa referred The Namibian to Nicanor.
COURT CASE
Amushelelo, who made his first appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court at Katutura yesterday, is being charged with assault by threat, incitement to commit violence and public violence.
He indicated to the court that he pleads not guilty to all charges.
Nauyoma only faces charges of incitement to commit violence and public violence.
The state is objecting to bail for both, citing that it is not in the interest of the public or the administration of justice, for fear that they may commit further similar offences.
“The state believes it has a strong case against them,” said state prosecutor Arrie Hussleman in court yesterday afternoon.
The lawyer representing Nauyoma in the bail hearing, Kadhila Amoomo, complained that Hussleman said he was instructed by an authority to oppose bail.
“Hussleman told me that he doesn’t want to oppose bail but a higher authority said they must oppose bail,” Amoomo said in court.
Nauyoma is expected to take the stand in his bail hearing this morning.
The matter of Amushelelo, Nauyoma, Lawrence Mwatile, Mukwiilongo, Emily Mununga, Annacky Amupanda, Risto Ithikwa and Julieta Amushelelo has been postponed to 5 July 2022.
Amushelelo and Nauyoma’s bail hearing will resume tomorrow morning at 09h00, while the court adjourned yesterday afternoon.
Amushelelo, while declaring his assets to the court, said he has N$15 million cash in Namibia.
COMMENTATORS
Weighing in on the situation, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani called on prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to convene a meeting between the NEFF, AR movement, Namra and others to de-escalate the situation around the destruction of counterfeit goods, warning that tensions could rise.
NEFF parliamentarian Kalimbo Iipumbu accused the government of being in bed with China. He wants the “oppressors” to release Amushelelo and Nauyoma.
