Simon to fight ‘Ninja Against Crime’

Crime does not pay, say ex-convicts Harry ‘The Terminator’ Simon and Paulus ‘Ninja’ Shimweefeleni.

This is why they teamed up with MTC Salute Boxing Academy to stage an exhibition boxing match aimed at raising awareness against criminal activity.

The ‘Ninja Against Crime’ fight is tentatively set for 7 December at a yet-to-be-determined location.

Following his release from prison in March after serving 25 years for murder and robbery, Shimweefeleni is keen to show he has turned over a new leaf.

Using a sport primarily characterised by physical violence to promote their message is appropriate, he says.

“I want the nation to understand the mission is not me to come and promote violence in the country. It is not about me trying to beat Harry.

“I want to show you can use your talent this way instead of doing crime,” says Shimweefeleni, a self-taught mixed-martial artist.

“So, we are here to give a message to our youth outside there. They must stop committing crimes. Crime does not pay. They should come up with something positive,” he says.

“Since some of them are afraid to take themselves to places where they can learn skills, maybe this [exhibition fight] will be a call for them to say ‘if that Ninja, who is over 50, can go and box with a champion, why can I not go to box and learn something?’

“It may be a good call for them to come out of the darkness where they are committing crimes. This is the message I would like to give.”

Two-weight former world boxing champion Simon too served a two-year prison sentence for culpable homicide in connection with the deadly car crash in which three Belgian visitors to Namibia were killed at the coast in late 2002.

Namibia’s first world champion, Simon leapt at the chance to be involved in helping to positively shape mindsets.

“I’m actually happy to be part of this boxing exhibition. I’m 100% sure I’m going to put up a great show. I’m ready to meet my match. I’m happy he said it, and he’s going to answer in the ring.,” Simon says.

Given their well-documented experiences, the MTC Salute Boxing Academy believes the two figures are well placed to help deter future offenders and calls on the nation to back the initiative.

“The idea was brought about by the Ninja Against Crime initiative and the public at large. So, we are just heeding the call of the public,” says Salute representative Jason Naule.

“There is a message that this event will be carrying out there, and it’s the message against crime, gender-based violence, and all the other evils society is facing today.”

Salute founder Kiriata Kamanya says Ninja’s activities since becoming a free man shows he is rehabilitated and willing to atone for his wayward past.

“I’ve been monitoring his [Shimweefeleni’s] situation since coming back into the community, and truthfully speaking, the guy is showing he is welcome to the nation now,” he says.

This view and anti-crime awareness campaign pleases senior chief correctional officer Kennedy Kalwenya, who says ensuring criminals are reformed is their primary objective – not punishment.

“This undertaking is very complementary to our mandate as the Namibian Correctional Service, a special part of reintegration,” Kalwenya says.

“Hence, we are very happy to have one of our former inmates, Mr Shimweefeleni, participating in this exercise. The trajectory of this exercise points to the prevention of crime, which is a very good thing,” he says.

“We all know that crime against women, against our kids, and so on is rising in our country. So, we are very happy to be part of this exercise. We thank MTC Salute Boxing Academy.”