Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) president Epaphras Mukwiilongo has come under fire for threatening to burn down foreign-owned businesses.
Mukwiilongo, a former member of parliament, accuses foreign nationals of exploiting Namibians economically and dominating key sectors of the local economy.
He threatens to source weapons, adding remarks interpreted by analysts as inciting violence.
Mukwiilongo operates Mokasa Trading and owns several properties at Oshakati and Oshikuku.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Mukwiilongo – who has a history of selling land to a foreign company – said he is “working day and night” to target foreign companies.
“I will not allow the exploitation of Namibians by the Chinese and Indians,” he said.
The NEFF president made direct threats against Indian and Chinese-owned businesses, particularly the Rani Group.
“Tenders must be given to Namibians, who can then subcontract to Zimbabwean or Chinese nationals,” he said.
Ali Dharani, through his Rani Traders, operates 65 retail outlets across the country and employs between 3 000 and 4 000 people. The NEFF had previously accused Dharani of paying his workers paltry wages.
Mukwiilongo accused Zimbabwean nationals of defrauding Namibia through medical aid schemes and alleged that Indian businessman Dharani, owner of Rani Traders, enjoys protection from Swapo.
“Ali owns shops everywhere in Namibia. This is unfair to local business owners. He is protected by people in Swapo who accept the exploitation of Namibian workers in Indian and Chinese businesses,” Mukwiilongo said.
Dharani yesterday declined to respond to the threats, saying he could not comment on remarks made by the politician.
Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo was not reachable for comment.
However, his deputy, major general Elias Mutota, says it is premature for the police to comment on the matter.
“It’s really premature for us to comment on statements made by a political figure in the country who is a (former) lawmaker. We wait until it comes from him openly, but we take note of the threats and allegations,” Mutota says.
Retired chief of the Namibian Defence Force, lieutenant general Martin Shalli, says Mukwiilongo’s comments border on treason.
“I hope he is joking. It’s a very dangerous statement. Does he have people already trained? Weapons are not like food where you can supply a big bag of maize meal and anyone can cook pap. My goodness! It’s unfortunate,” Shalli says.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende says Mukwiilongo’s utterances are in gross violation of the Prevention and Combatting of Terrorist And Proliferation Activities Act 4 of 2014 as well as the Defence Act, 2002.
He adds that Mukwiilongo’s statement should be taken as those of a failed politician who was unable to bring about political reforms through established and peaceful democratic processes.
Mukwiilongo’s comments follow a history of confrontational politics.
In 2023, his party shut down a Chinese commercial complex in Windhoek, during which he claimed to have been shot with rubber bullets by police.
NEFF activist Michael Amushelelo was later jailed for eight months in connection with that protest.
Despite his fiery rhetoric, Mukwiilongo maintains ties to some of the very individuals he now criticises.
Daily newspaper Namibian Sun reported in 2023 that Mukwiilongo sold a 1 229-square metre plot at Oshikuku’s Extension 1 to Rani Traders, owned by Dharani, for N$880 000.
