Mutorwa Clarifies Shamvura Issue

THE Namibian newspaper of October 16 2007, on its page 14, carried an article entitled ‘Shamvura response to Mutorwa’.

I have once again decided to put pen to paper, in order to place certain comments and remarks that appeared in the aforementioned article in their proper and correct perspective, so as to avoid any misinterpretation. The views so expressed are personal and do not reflect the views of the public office that I currently hold.Charlie Paxton, amongst others, had the following to say: “unfortunately, certain elements within the Shamvura community do not agree with his wisdom and hence the recent demonstration which has forced Shamvura Camp to instigate legal proceedings.”I am very certain that many people in the area do agree with what I said, then, and what I am saying now.Many, thus agree with my “wisdom”.The demonstration took place on September 16 2007.My October 3 2007 letter was a direct commentary on and reaction to a newspaper article that appeared in The Namibian of October 2 2007, on page 5, under the heading: ‘Standoff at Shamvura Camp in Kavango’.The demonstration was legal and peaceful.Police were present.A formal petition, detailing the complaints and grievances, was handed to the Governor of the Kavango Region.It may hopefully still become much clearer how “the recent demonstration has forced Shamvura to instigate legal proceedings”, when such matter are brought before the courts, both customary and civil? It is quite curious to note that “on the day the Councillor’s firearm and Weka’s belongings were discovered, free use of Shamvura Camp boats were made available to the Police”.Again the following questions come up and beg for answers: How could the late Weka abandon his clothing, belongings and a licensed shotgun which was, reportedly, put under his care and use, by the legal owner, on the Angolan border, simply for someone to “discover and secure the abandoned firearm, which had been unattended for at least 45 minutes?” The tragic fact is that Weka never returned alive! I hope that the Police investigations will eventually shed light on how and why he died, as well as exposing the person(s) who was /were responsible for his tragic violent death.What is the cause of death according to the Doctor’s post mortem certificate? On what basis could it be concluded (while the Police investigations are still ongoing) that : “according to Police feedback, up to now, they seem quite satisfied that Mark Paxton is not a suspect according to the numerous conversations with several of the investigating officers?” I am not implying anybody to be a suspect.The Police should get the suspect(s).Undoubtedly, they will eventually get the suspect(s)! In conclusion, I wish to reiterate what I stated in my October 3 2007 article: “Such truth and justice must be eventually obtained through the impartial and unbiased investigations by and from: Namibian Police, the VaGciriku Traditional Authority, Namibian Courts, the Media and the people of and from Shamvura and environment.”To the aforementioned list, I add: the Ombudsman’s office, individuals and any organisations that are there for the defence, promotion and protection of human rights, human dignity and human life.Alleged, unwarranted and reported threats of blackmail and intimidation of some people, including some Traditional Authority structures, by and from some lawyers who appear to be mainly driven by financial profit motives, and not the defence and promotion of the rule of law, fairness and justice for all, per se, are for all intents and purposes; empty, unhelpful, inconsiderate and hypocritical.For now, there is nothing for me to discuss with anybody, “face to face at Shamvura Camp.”I remain ready though, if and when so required, to provide such assistance, that may help in the just and fair resolution of the matter (death of Weka).John Mutorwa WindhoekThe views so expressed are personal and do not reflect the views of the public office that I currently hold.Charlie Paxton, amongst others, had the following to say: “unfortunately, certain elements within the Shamvura community do not agree with his wisdom and hence the recent demonstration which has forced Shamvura Camp to instigate legal proceedings.”I am very certain that many people in the area do agree with what I said, then, and what I am saying now.Many, thus agree with my “wisdom”.The demonstration took place on September 16 2007.My October 3 2007 letter was a direct commentary on and reaction to a newspaper article that appeared in The Namibian of October 2 2007, on page 5, under the heading: ‘Standoff at Shamvura Camp in Kavango’.The demonstration was legal and peaceful.Police were present.A formal petition, detailing the complaints and grievances, was handed to the Governor of the Kavango Region.It may hopefully still become much clearer how “the recent demonstration has forced Shamvura to instigate legal proceedings”, when such matter are brought before the courts, both customary and civil? It is quite curious to note that “on the day the Councillor’s firearm and Weka’s belongings were discovered, free use of Shamvura Camp boats were made available to the Police”.Again the following questions come up and beg for answers: How could the late Weka abandon his clothing, belongings and a licensed shotgun which was, reportedly, put under his care and use, by the legal owner, on the Angolan border, simply for someone to “discover and secure the abandoned firearm, which had been unattended for at least 45 minutes?” The tragic fact is that Weka never returned alive! I hope that the Police investigations will eventually shed light on how and why he died, as well as exposing the person(s) who was /were responsible for his tragic violent death.What is the cause of death according to the Doctor’s post mortem certificate? On what basis could it be concluded (while the Police investigations are still ongoing) that : “according to Police feedback, up to now, they seem quite satisfied that Mark Paxton is not a suspect according to the numerous conversations with several of the investigating officers?” I am not implying anybody to be a suspect.The Police should get the suspect(s).Undoubtedly, they will eventually get the suspect(s)! In conclusion, I wish to reiterate what I stated in my October 3 2007 article: “Such truth and justice must be eventually obtained through the impartial and unbiased investigations by and from: Namibian Police, the VaGciriku Traditional Authority, Namibian Courts, the Media and the people of and from Shamvura and environment.”To the aforementioned list, I add: the Ombudsman’s office, individuals and any organisations that are there for the defence, promotion and protection of human rights, human dignity and human life.Alleged, unwarranted and reported threats of blackmail and intimidation of some people, including some Traditional Authority structures, by and from some lawyers who appear to be mainly driven by financial profit motives, and not the defence and promotion of the rule of law, fairness and justice for all, per se, are for all intents and purposes; empty, unhelpful, inconsiderate and hypocritical.For now, there is nothing for me to discuss with anybody, “face to face at Shamvura Camp.”I remain ready though, if and when so required, to provide such assistance, that may help in the just and fair resolution of the matter (death of Weka).John Mutorwa Windhoek