Premier visits Ujaha residence after brutal killing

WINDHOEK, AUG. 30 – Prime Minister (PM) Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday visited the Ujaha and Kaimu residence in Katutura, joining Namibians across the country in paying tribute to the late child, Cheryl Avihe Ujaha.
At the gathering, the premier described the killing of the nine-year-old as brutal and an unfortunate loss.
“It is deeply saddening and distressing to note that the erosion in the moral fibre of society is such, a child’s life is ended, not only prematurely but in such a brutal manner. One cannot imagine what would cause a person to commit such a heinous crime against a child,” a clearly distraught Kuugongelwa-Amadhila told the mourners.
Ujaha’s lifeless and desecrated body was discovered near the Staanvas circle in Khomasdal on Tuesday morning, after she was reported missing on Saturday.
According to the PM, Ujaha’s death is a reminder that more needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable in society.
She said cooperation between Namibian society, the government and the law enforcement agencies is paramount if defeating gender-based violence and crimes perpetuated against children and the weak in society is to be attained.
Speaking to Nampa at the residence, leader of the official opposition party, McHenry Venaani described Ujaha’s death as a “sombre national mourning period”.
“It brings rage,” said Venaani, adding that “with anger and bitterness, I received this sad news”.
While acknowledging that death was a normal occurrence in everyday life, a heinous crime of this state is beyond normal death, he said.
“To who and what offence has a nine-year-old child, Avihe Cheryl done to the world to deserve a dismembered body at her death? Who can pay homage and tribute to your own child whose body was left in that condition for whatever reason,” an upset Venaani said.
He said the time has arrived for the country to put in place an action plan, and those who are strong to protect the weaker in society.
“It is the responsibility of those who are strong in society to take care of the weak and vulnerable in society. We cannot just mourn the life without putting up an action plan that would address ending of these crimes against women and children,” the politician concluded.
Police investigations into the death of Ujaha continue. – NAMPA