LPM condemns Unam, security guards

The Youth Command of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) says it is a militant, unyielding force for justice.

This comes as group members blocked access to the University of Namibia after Swapo had a gathering on campus despite a temporary ban on political gatherings.

The Youth Command issued a press statement last night after LPM member Michael Amushelelo was released from being taken into custody.

He was arrested yesterday afternoon for allegedly maliciously damaging a student’s car.

“We will not tolerate the cowardice, incompetence and violent tendencies of Unam’s so-called security officers – thugs in uniforms who can’t use their mouths and instead rely on fists,” the group said.

They condemned Unam’s response to the blockade, which allegedly led to Amushelelo being pushed.

They called Unam’s security guards “attack dogs for the Swapo regime”.

The LPM Youth Command was joined at the police station by the Popular Democratic Movement’s youth league.

Khomas regional police commander commissioner Wilhelm Steenkamp confirmed Amushelelo’s arrest yesterday.

Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho yesterday said the university’s temporary ban on political student activities remains in place, despite the Swapo gathering that took place last week.

He said the university is investigating the incident.

To determine the consequences for the demonstrators, the university will consider the students’ code of conduct as well as any other policy related to these activities, Namesho said.

LPM councillor Ivan Skrywer yesterday asked why Unam offers a political science qualification, but neglects the practical side of politics.

Skrywer said the LPM’s Youth Command is registered at Unam and is a fully paid up student society.

“They are the ones that are organising this, they are the ones who have communicated last week already about this event,” the councillor said.

Unam student representative council president Twapewa-Ashihe Mungoba yesterday said it is sad that students, particularly political societies on campus, feel sidelined by the university.

“It is not a true reflection of what actually happens on the ground. And that is why we are trying our utmost best to clarify the situation and try to ensure all students feel involved at the university – regardless of their affiliation,” she said.

After Friday’s Swapo rally, Mungoba said a meeting with the university’s management was necessitated.

“Just to ensure that both parties and both individuals and all societies are then able to come together, have a dialogue and find common ground,” she said.

The Affirmative Repositioning Students Society has registered their concerns regarding Swapo’s activities on campus.