Namibia’s ‘Jesus’ Hawala – hero to some, butcher to others

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described late lieutenant general Solomon ‘Jesus’ Hawala as an iconic figure of the Namibian revolution.

According to her, Hawala spent his life in pursuit of freedom, peace, unity, and prosperity for all Namibian people and beyond.

She made the remarks in her message of condolence yesterday.

“His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of our history, serving as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom,” said the president.

Hawala died aged 89 in northern Namibia on Monday.

He was dubbed the ‘Butcher of Lubango’ because he allegedly ran Swapo detention camps for adversaries in the Angolan city during Namibia’s liberation struggle.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Hawala was a dedicated freedom fighter who served in several positions of command, including second assistant commander to the army commander and deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia.

She added that he made enormous sacrifices for the liberation of his motherland.

“The late lieutenant general (Rtd) Hawala’s wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to national unity and socio-economic development in an independent Namibia are appreciated and serve as an inspiration for the future generations.”

In March 2004, Hawala was awarded the medal for “gallantry and heroism” by former president Sam Nujoma, alongside nine others.

Hawala was also awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Namibian Eagle First Class.

“These individuals are chosen and honoured for the valuable contributions that they have made to the liberation and socio-economic development of our country,” Nujoma – who died in February this year – said at the ceremony.

STATE FUNERAL LOOMING?

Hawala was a highly decorated soldier and prominent figure during Namibia’s liberation struggle.

Upon independence in 1990, Hawala was appointed as army commander in the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).

In 2000 he replaced Dimo Hamaambo as chief of the NDF. He retired in October 2006 and was replaced by Martin Shalli.

Hamaambo died in September 2002 and was the first person buried as a hero at Heroes’ Acre.

NDF spokesperson colonel Petrus Shilumbu says the president can still grant state funerals despite the moratorium.

Shilumbu said this yesterday in response to a question by The Namibian on whether the state will accord Hawala a state funeral.

Shilumbu could, however, not confirm whether there are deliberations or plans underway between the Presidency and the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

“Honestly I’m not aware of that. Please wait until any announcement is made. Why are you in a hurry?” said Shilumbu.

Political analyst Ben Mulongeni says Hawala deserves a hero’s funeral, hero’s memorial and all things heroes, despite his controversial legacy.

Mulongeni refers to Hawala’s achievements as deputy chief of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan), first commander of the Namibian Defence Force and others as “deserving achievements”.

“Hawala did not start the liberation war, the war was here. He executed orders of diplomats, leaders, and advisers.

So if in this war there were real spies, he dealt with them in the name of liberation.

“And if there were innocent people, even in an independent Namibia there are people arrested who are innocent until proven guilty.

But the liberation front did not have courts.

“So he deserves a hero’s funeral, not official, like Moses Amweelo. He deserved an official funeral because he was a dedicated Cabinet minister who excelled in the government.

“!Guiteb again, separate honours, because he was a Robben Island prisoner. But Hawala was a freedom fighter of the highest echelons,” Mulongeni says.

Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo says the president will consult on the way forward regarding a state funeral.

“We’ll communicate that outcome as soon as a decision has been taken in that regard,” says Mbambo.

LEGACY OF WAR CRIMES

Leefa Martins from the Conquerors – a group for survivors of the Lubango dungeons and other atrocities – says Hawala’s legacy is not liberation, but war crimes against humanity and genocide.

Martins says the group notes with outrage the death of Hawala, calling him the chief perpetrator of brutal war crimes against their humanity through beatings, mock burials, forced confessions, imprisonment without trial, prolonged deprivation that led to the deaths and disappearances of thousands.

“We remind Namibia and the world – there can be no closure without truth.

There can be no healing without justice. We reaffirm that we will continue to speak out.

We will continue to seek justice. We will not be silenced by time, intimidation, or the death of perpetrators,” says Martins.

She says Hawala’s death does not “close the book on this dark chapter but sharpens their demand for truth, acknowledgment, and redress.”

“Let them decorate Hawala and other perpetrators – he remains the Butcher of Lubango, with our innocent blood still dripping from his hands,” says Martins.

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