Swakop marches in silence

THE murder of a Swakopmund resident on the beach on Friday morning united the coastal community yesterday morning, when about 500 people took part in a silent march to the Magistrate’s Court.

Residents marched side by side in memory of Alexandra Mooren (44) and other victims of crime at the coast. Quietly singing hymns and carrying candles, flowers and placards the procession down Sam Nujoma Avenue brought the early morning traffic to a standstill, with many onlookers observing a moment of silence in respect.The procession was led by Swakopmund Mayor Rosina //Hoabes and Councillors, as well as Mooren’s employers, Kurt and Gudrun Bellwinkel and her colleagues from African Art Jewellers.The large crowd gathered in the public garden outside the Magistrate’s Court where the candles, flowers and placards were placed on a ledge.People were seen lighting candles at the scene of the murder right through the day.”It was very emotional.I was shaking as I tried to light my candle,” said one marcher.Another felt the march was “stunning.I was surprised at how many people took part.” “I think the candles and flowers were very effective,” said one woman, who was not convinced the march would make a difference to the crime rate.At a meeting called by Erongo Governor, Samuel Nuuyoma yesterday morning, Kurt Bellwinkel thanked the Police for their excellent work in apprehending three suspects in the murder case.He also expressed his gratitude to the community for taking part in the march.”Today we demonstrated that we can stand together,” he said.Mooren, a German citizen, worked as a master goldsmith for African Art Jewellers.Her employer, Gudrun Bellwinkel said on Sunday she was very happy living in Swakopmund and wanted to settle there.She was very excited and overwhelmed when their entry for the Plat Africa Award won second prize overall last year from 76 entries.”She said this year we will win first prize.” Bellwinkel described Mooren as one of the most creative people she had ever met.”I asked her to stay in my employ,” said Bellwinkel.Mooren went to Germany and packed up all her belongings and brought back her three cats as well.Bellwinkel said Mooren was someone who enjoyed being by herself.”She did not have a car, and walked all over town.” She also walked to work across the beach every morning.She was on her way to work on Friday morning when she was accosted and killed – apparently for her handbag – on the beach near the jetty.She did not have anything of value in her bag.Making a statement A section of the crowd of about 500 people who took part in a march at Swakopmund yesterday to protest against violent crime.Quietly singing hymns and carrying candles, flowers and placards the procession down Sam Nujoma Avenue brought the early morning traffic to a standstill, with many onlookers observing a moment of silence in respect.The procession was led by Swakopmund Mayor Rosina //Hoabes and Councillors, as well as Mooren’s employers, Kurt and Gudrun Bellwinkel and her colleagues from African Art Jewellers.The large crowd gathered in the public garden outside the Magistrate’s Court where the candles, flowers and placards were placed on a ledge.People were seen lighting candles at the scene of the murder right through the day.”It was very emotional.I was shaking as I tried to light my candle,” said one marcher.Another felt the march was “stunning.I was surprised at how many people took part.” “I think the candles and flowers were very effective,” said one woman, who was not convinced the march would make a difference to the crime rate.At a meeting called by Erongo Governor, Samuel Nuuyoma yesterday morning, Kurt Bellwinkel thanked the Police for their excellent work in apprehending three suspects in the murder case.He also expressed his gratitude to the community for taking part in the march.”Today we demonstrated that we can stand together,” he said.Mooren, a German citizen, worked as a master goldsmith for African Art Jewellers.Her employer, Gudrun Bellwinkel said on Sunday she was very happy living in Swakopmund and wanted to settle there.She was very excited and overwhelmed when their entry for the Plat Africa Award won second prize overall last year from 76 entries.”She said this year we will win first prize.” Bellwinkel described Mooren as one of the most creative people she had ever met.”I asked her to stay in my employ,” said Bellwinkel.Mooren went to Germany and packed up all her belongings and brought back her three cats as well.Bellwinkel said Mooren was someone who enjoyed being by herself.”She did not have a car, and walked all over town.” She also walked to work across the beach every morning.She was on her way to work on Friday morning when she was accosted and killed – apparently for her handbag – on the beach near the jetty.She did not have anything of value in her bag. Making a statement A section of the crowd of about 500 people who took part in a march at Swakopmund yesterday to protest against violent crime.