Leaders slam ‘political violence’ at IPC rally

… victim says apology not enough

An incident allegedly involving a Swapo member driving into a crowd of Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) supporters at Outapi, injuring one, has been widely condemned.

Both Swapo and the IPC have condemned the incident.

Kavila Kautwima (73) was arrested on Sunday after injuring Risto Shekudja (47) on Saturday.

Shekudja sustained an open wound to his knee and dislocated his kneecap.

Kautwima appeared in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was granted bail in an amount of N$3 000 on a charge of attempted murder.
His case was postponed to 17 August.

‘I COULDN’T GET UP’

Shekudja yesterday shared the incident with The Namibian.

He said he was strolling along with his party members when he was hit by the vehicle.

“I saw myself on the ground and heard a car. It was next to me while I was lying there. I couldn’t get up,” he said.

Shekudja said the driver claimed to be a Swapo member, who had been told there was a group of IPC members at his shebeen.
“We weren’t at his shebeen. We were nowhere near it,” Shekudja said.

Shekudja was then taken to Outapi District Hospital.

He reported sharp chest pain, but said he felt better yesterday.

“An apology wouldn’t be sincere, because I believe it was intentional. I heard he was granted bail of N$3 000 yesterday, and his case has been postponed to 17 September,” he said.

‘MUTUAL RESPECT’

Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga yesterday said the party’s stance is to denounce violence in any form.

“I heard of the incident via social media . . . I have no further information, so let the allegations remain as such until proven,” he said.

Herunga said all Swapo leaders and members know that campaigns and political activities should be peaceful. Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) national general secretary Christine Aochamus yesterday said the party’s leadership plans to reach out to Swapo to discuss ongoing tensions and urged mutual respect during political activities.

She said the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) should ensure parties adhere to the commission’s code of conduct.

“We cannot afford a situation where lives are lost while people are exercising their democratic rights,” she said.

“We call on the ECN to ensure that the code of conduct is not contravened and for the police to enforce this. The Electoral Act prohibits preventing peaceful assembly,” she said.

ECN spokesperson Mulauli Siluka did not respond to questions send to him yesterday.

Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary general Ephraim Nekongo on Monday said the party does not condone violent acts.

“All I can do as a leader is to call out to members of society, irrespective of their political affiliation, to remain calm and respectful of each other.

“Whenever you have your political rallies, no one should go and disturb others,” he said [sic].

Nekongo said violent acts must be condemned in the strongest terms.

He said Swapo’s regional coordinator is gathering information on the incident.

Omusati region Swapo coordinator Sacky Kayone this week echoed that the party’s leadership in the region does not condone provocation and violence during political campaigns.
He said he cannot investigate whether Kautwima is a Swapo member as the case is currently before the courts.
IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge on Sunday said the party suspects Kautwima is a Swapo member.

NOT NEW

Saturday’s incident was not the first time a Swapo member has been accused of attacking opposition party members at Outapi.

In 2008, about 12 Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) supporters were injured when a large crowd of Swapo supporters prevented the party from convening a meeting at the town.

Injuries were sustained when Swapo members allegedly threw stones at a number of cars and tore up and burned RDP flags.

In 2009, about 200 Swapo supporters at Outapi were accused of blocking RDP members from entering the town.

The police had to use teargas to control the crowd.

After the RDP rally, all hell broke loose when the RDP convoy prepared to leave the town.

Swapo supporters lined up on both sides of the road, throwing stones at cars as they drove past.

The advancing Swapo supporters were driven back by the police with teargas and rubber batons.

That year, a horde of schoolchildren drove RDP organisers out of Okahao, also in the Omusati region.

Three years after these incidents, a group of suspected Swapo supporters used physical violence to disrupt an RDP meeting at Outapi.

Namibian Sun reported at the time that a number of people were injured, while chairs and tables were damaged.

A window of a nearby house was hit with a brick. The meeting was reportedly held under a tree where Swapo flags were hoisted.
RDP regional secretary Immanuel Shikongo was hit with a brick on the chin.

The attackers dispersed when the police arrived.

Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba repeated warnings that Swapo supporters should refrain from violent behaviour against supporters of other political parties.

In 2014, the media reported that the Omusati police confiscated sticks, stones, bottles and a panga from RDP supporters ahead of a rally that was due to take place at Outapi at the time.

Former National Council chairperson and RDP member Kandy Nehova has accused Swapo supporters at Outapi of having a poor understanding of democracy.

“Namibia is a multi-party country. Everyone needs to respect it,” he said.

Nehova said nobody may prevent others from campaigning through violence.

He recalled how his party members were attacked by Swapo supporters in 2008 and 2009.

“In 2009, I was there myself. I saw how our members were beaten, but luckily the police came to our rescue,” he said.

It’s history that Swapo does not tolerate opposition, he said.

“Everyone should be allowed to advertise their ideas, and the majority eventually rules the country,” Nehova said.