Hundreds protest violent crimes in Swakopmund

SWAKOPMUND, Sept. 26 – More than two hundred people turned up in front of the Swakopmund Magistrate’s court, in a show of solidarity to protest against violence. Meanwhile, numerous other people around the coastal town showed their solidarity and posted pictures on social media to show their support.

After gathering at the Amphitheatre right in the heart of Swakopmund, protesters quietly and peacefully made their way to the lawns in front of the Swakopmund Magistrates Court. Participants formed a Human Peace Chain throughout the whole of Swakopmund in a show of solidarity and strength in numbers.

Anett Koetting, the Director of Education, was also contacted and he agreed to allow all learners in Swakopmund to break school at 10:00 and step onto the pavement and form a human chain around their school.

“This truly is a momentous historical day for Swakopmund and ALL Swakopmunders. These times are an indication. Join when you can and leave when you want to. There are no rules, except to be kind, peaceful and loving, to your neighbour, to each other. Friends. Swakopmunders. As we have a Lighthouse to protect ships at sea, Let us today be a Lighthouse for each other. Shining our light in prosperity,” said Clinton Lang, organiser of the peaceful protest.

Recent months have seen an escalation in gruesome murders, especially against elderly pensioners within the town of Swakopmund, while a woman was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight threatening to classify the resort town as a haven of criminal activity.

Double-murder accused, Daniel Stefanus Nghilifa (26), Jerobiam Simon Shidute (23) and Fabianus Lazarus (24) appeared today in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court to have a bail hearing date set.

The trio stand accused of murdering the elderly Strzelecki couple during a home invasion last month at Swakopmund. Mrs Strzelecki was killed during the invasion, while Mr Strzelecki later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The silent protest focused mainly on demanding that the three suspects in the double murder should be not be eligible for bail. – NDN Staffer