Africa-Press – Namibia. PRESIDENT Hage Geingob has described late Dr. Paul Stefan Ludik, Namibia’s pioneering forensic scientist who died in a Windhoek hospital last month, as a trailblazer who left an indelible footprint on the Namibian nation.
Speaking at Ludik’s memorial service at the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute campus, Geingob paid tribute to “a compatriot, husband, father and pioneer”.
“Death has taken him away from his family and from Namibia, a country he served with distinction,” said Geingob adding that the indelible footprint that Ludik has left through his trailblazing career and outstanding leadership, ensures that his legacy will live forever.
Geingob said that Ludik’s calling in life was in the area of forensic science which is, among others, defined as “the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by the police agencies in a criminal justice system,”.
It involves the use of multiple disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering for evidence analysis. According to Geingob, the role of forensic science in the criminal justice and the legal system is highly critical but is often underrated. He continued: “Indeed, although Dr. Ludik worked in a field which is often underrated, his impact thereon cannot be understated.
His path towards becoming a pioneer in this field started at Potchefstroom University where in 1982 he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1984. While completing his studies he began developing his passion and dedication to meticulous detail as a Research Assistant at the Unit for Catechol Aminergic Studies in Potchefstroom. Due to his innate talent, dedication and exemplary work, he became Pharmacy Manager in 1984.
From there, his career in the field of medicine, particularly pharmacy, took off. The sky was indeed the limit for Dr. Ludik, starting as a hospital pharmacist in Keetmanshoop from 1984-1986 before being posted to Windhoek as a Senior Hospital Pharmacist from 1986-1990.
After independence he continued on the path towards establishing himself as a peerless pioneer in the area of Forensic Sciences. Between 1990 and 1995, he worked as a Chief Clinical and Specialized Services Officer at the Ministry of Health and Social Services. From 1995 to 2020 he became the Director of National Forensic Science Institute which later became the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute (NPFSI). From 2020 until his passing, he served as the Advisor to the NPFSI.
Dr. Ludik’s career is both admirable and highly inspirational. It is a reminder that whenever a human being is driven by passion, a high work ethic, dedication and self-belief, he or she can achieve unimaginable success. Dr. Ludik has paved the way for others to follow suit. He has raised the bar and challenged our young Namibians to follow their career ambitions, with fervent passion, diligence and commitment, so that they too, will one day become trailblazers who will in turn open doors for their peers and compatriots.
Indeed, Dr. Ludik was a committed servant of Namibia and its people. We thank this humble but visionary man for bringing acclaim to national forensic sciences and playing a crucial role in the history of laboratory science in Namibia. Today, we stand united, shoulder to shoulder with the grieving family, friends and colleagues, as we commemorate his legacy and bid him a heartfelt farewell.
As mere mortals, we do not have the words to effectively comfort the hearts of Mrs. Susan Ludik and the children on this untimely departure of a loving husband and father. For this reason, in this hour of sorrow, we turn to the Almighty, as our ultimate source of comfort.
Therefore, we take solace from Mathew 5:4 which reads as follows, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” May the Lord provide comfort to the bereaved family and those that join them in this sombre moment.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Namibia, I extend our heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the Ludik family, friends and compatriots of the late Dr. Paul Stefan Ludik. May he go well and find eternal rest and peace. I thank you.”
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