POLICE yesterday fired rubber bullets at violent ‘struggle kids’ who were attacking them with stones and other missiles at the Swapo headquarters in Windhoek.
Police spokesperson Slogan Matheus confirmed yesterday that the Special Field Force was compelled to fire rubber bullets when the ‘struggle kids’ attacked them.
Matheus also said the ‘struggle kids’ started marching from the Swapo farm in the Brakwater area on the outskirts of the city around 02h00. He said they were advised that the time they had chosen to march was inappropriate, but they insisted on doing so.
According to Matheus, the ‘struggle kids’ went to the Swapo headquarters in Katutura, where they blocked the entrance. When police officers moved in to disperse them, they started throwing stones and other missles.
This latest incident was triggered by an eviction order served on the ‘struggle kids’ by Swapo’s legal representatives Conradie and Damaseb which said they should leave the farm by today. Earlier this year, the ‘struggle kids’ who are staying at the farm near the Mix informal settlement were given an opportunity to relocate to Berg Aukas or Du Plessis farm, where they would be taught skills.
Most of the ‘struggle kids’ said they were not asking for skills training, but wanted jobs.
Most of the ‘struggle kids’, who did not want to be identified, said Swapo secretary general Nangolo Mbumba had lied to them about getting them jobs.
“We are going to wait for the answers today,” one of the ‘struggle kids’ said before the police moved in to disperse them.
Another one said: “We are just waiting for jobs, then we can get classes.” Mbumba yesterday said he was out of the country, and could not comment on the issue. Yet another ‘struggle kid’ declared: “Swapo will not get rid of us that easily.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
