Masisi’s BDF killing apology is ‘dishonest public relations stunt’, says Namibian Lives Matter movement

The Namibian Lives Matter (NLM) movement has rejected former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s apology for the Nchindo brothers’ killing six years ago by his country’s defence force.

The apology is insensitive and dishonest, the movement says.

Masisi issued the apology during a public lecture on Namibia-Botswana relations on Monday.

“We’re sorry for the loss of their lives. We as leaders must take responsibility, both in Botswana and Namibia, to make sure that never happens again,” he said.

In 2020, fishermen Tommy, Martin, and Wamunyima Nchindo and their cousin Sinvula Munyeme were shot and killed by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) along the Chobe River on suspicion that they were part of a poaching syndicate.

This was too much to bear for the Nchindo brothers’ mother, Alphonsina Mubu (69), who collapsed and died five days after the incident.

It’s estimated that the BDF has killed over 37 Namibians since independence.

Masisi said the shoot-to-kill policy that led to the death of many Namibians was a military procedure that unfortunately escalated, but has since been erased.

“Botswana held an open and transparent inquest in respect to the unfortunate and regrettable shooting of the Nchindo brothers,” he said.

In the lecture, Masisi examined the shared historical foundations of Namibia-Botswana relations, key milestones since independence, and future opportunities for cooperation in regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.

NLM chairperson Sinvula Mudabeti yesterday said the apology is a public relations stunt, as Masisi continues to deny the existence of the shoot-to-kill policy.

“The denial of the shoot-to-kill policy is a clear sign that Botswana is founded on dishonesty. He calls genuine Namibian demands for justice ‘noise’.

“I think he went very low and too far. As a movement, we treat Masisi’s remarks on the death of the Nchindo brothers as insensitive and misplaced.

“He lacks respect for Namibians. Masisi should learn that the truth will ultimately come out on the bogus inquest Botswana held,” he said.

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