Sioka condemns GBV on National Assembly opening

WINDHOEK, 12 SEP – Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Doreen Sioka condemned the killing and abuse of women and children on the opening day of the eighth session of the sixth Parliament.
Sioka was speaking in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday, just a few days after the burial of nine-year-old Cheryl Avihe Ujaha, whose lifeless body was found by a passer-by in Khomasdal a fortnight ago, after she was reported missing on 26 August.
The young girl’s body appeared to have been burnt and her head, arms and legs cut off, while her internal organs had also been removed.
The Namibia Police Force, which is yet to apprehend a suspect in connection with the apparent murder, has since pledged a reward of N$100 000, from the initial N$30 000, for any person with information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
In her opening remarks, the minister lauded the spirit of national solidarity displayed by Namibians in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in the wake of Ujaha’s murder.
“These tremendous efforts show that as a nation, we have denounced an attack that killed our innocent girl child, Cheryl Avihe Ujaha,” Sioka said.
She then raised concern that the killing of human beings for certain body parts was becoming common around the world.
“If government and people in general continue to fold their arms, this syndicate will intensify. Therefore, let us act now,” she stressed, adding that the issue could not be swept under the carpet.
According to Sioka, the fight against GBV has been left to government and a few other institutions, which should not be the case.
“It is the duty of every individual to ensure that women and children are protected.”
During the current session, the NA is expected to table 11 bills for debate, including the Combating of Rape Amendment Bill. – NAMPA