Simon is a free man

‘AT last,’ were the first words of Namibia’s former world champion boxer Harry Simon when he walked out of the Walvis Bay Prison yesterday at 10h00 after serving three months short of a two-year prison sentence for culpable homicide.

Simon (36) was dressed in a neat grey suit and looked relaxed as he made his way through the main entrance of the Walvis Bay Prison with his manager, Ellison Hijarunguru, and long-time friend, Lucky Shipanga. Outside was a small crowd of fans, friends and family welcoming ‘The Terminator’ back in society.A hooting convoy of cars, with Simon’s big white BMW leading, made its way to the Protea Hotel in town where a press conference was held.’We are happy to see Harry as a free man. He’s always been a free man,’ said Hijarunguru.Asked what his immediate boxing plans are, Simon said it all depended on his manager and the promoters.’But now I want to be with my children, and get back into my life. It’s all I could think of when I was inside’ he said. ‘I’ll take it day by day.’Simon said he learned a lot of patience while in prison, and also made sure that he kept fit and strong. Reading and writing were also favourite pastimes.’I am a strong man, and have a strong mind. I’m still Harry Simon, but I’ll be a better Harry Simon,’ he said.Simon told The Namibian that he enjoyed a lot of friendship in prison and that he received up to 200 visitors a month – much more than the other inmates.Asked about his boxing career, his manager said a lot has to be done with regard to organising fights.’You will see Harry soon though. He still has the fire to fight, and considering the kind of shape he is in now, he will be super,’ said Hijarunguru.Simon said he defended his world title five times and was undefeated, and he won the same title three times. He said he is ready to fight again.Asked for a comment on the fatal accident for which he was imprisoned, his manager said an official statement would be made soon.On the evening of November 21 2002, three Belgian visitors to Namibia, including a 22-month-old baby, were killed in a horrific car crash at the turn-off to Langstrand. Simon was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to a two-year prison term in early August 2005.He remained free on bail as he appealed the conviction and sentence that he received in the Walvis Bay Regional Court, but his appeal was dismissed in the High Court on July 9 2007, and he had to start serving his sentence.