Africa-Press – Namibia. A lone voice broke the eerie and dark silence that hang over the most affected and drug-infested block of Rehoboth – Kawuki.
In another corner, a concerned pensioner, mother and long-time resident stepped out of her house on her way to bury family members.
Visibly angry and frustrated, her voice rose above the waiting crowd that was preparing to march to the magistrate’s court in protest against the illicit drug trafficking, drug and alcohol abuse in Rehoboth, about 100 kilometres south of Windhoek.
She condemned neighbours for staying home, accused mothers of sheltering addicts, and demanded accountability from the silent community.
This was the scene as the Rehoboth community came together to voice concern over a rising culture of drug abuse at the town – something that has become a concern to those calling this place home.
Pupils from local high schools and religious leaders all joined the march, which despite a relatively low turnout, proceeded with its cause. The group was determined to have their voices heard and showcased their unwavering stand and commitment to fight the illicit drug trade and abuse with determination.
The march found its fire in its theme “Silence is violence, stand up, speak up. We are tired, and we demand justice, now.”
The marchers joined hands and chanted as they made their way to the town’s magistrate’s court to hand over a petition signed by more than 4000 members of the community.
Although many did not join the march, it was clear from the number of signatures that the residents preferred supporting the cause in silence – possibly out of fear of retribution.
The residents presented a follow-up petition to one submitted to the authorities in January this year, demanding that law-enforcement agencies (Namibian Police) and the courts be accountable.
Speaker of the Children’s Parliament of Namibia Jane Phiri, who hails from the Hardap region and is a pupil at the Dr. Lemmer High School, took the stand with fellow learners and her community to make a clear statement: “Learners’ voices also matter”.
“We are gathered here to express how heart-broken and dissatisfied we are with what’s happening in the town, Rehoboth. We, therefore, are taking a stand and appeal to the minister of Justice and to the law courts in Namibia to bring for us a solution.
“As Namibian citizens, we are asking for the government to hear our pleas, and we want to see change from our plight. We want to see our police doing something. We want to see an end to corruption within the police.
“We are a generation where we do not know where we should go or stay, we feel unsafe, and this is a state of emergency. Without the new generation, the youth, we cannot have a prosperous Namibian nation, so while we can, let’s take the necessary precautions to change the current conditions. Let’s bring back safety, security and love to the community,” she said.
Spearheading the march, local social worker and anti-drug activist Levina Negongo, emphasised the need for and demanded increased police visibility, regular roadblocks at the town’s entry and exit points, and the use of sniffer dogs to deter illicit drug activities.
Negongo called for the immediate closure of all unlicensed and illegal shebeens, and the re-establishment of Neighbourhood Watch committees in all areas in and around Rehoboth,
including Banhoff.
She stressed the importance of addressing allegations of police collusion with drug dealers to restore trust in law-enforcement.
Campaigners at the march highlighted their desire to see transparency from the police and the courts, and urged that the identities of known drug dealers be made public to curb the illegal operations.
Newly-elected junior mayor of Rehoboth Deborah Libbert, a pupil at Dr. Lemmer High School, said she wanted to be part of the march to bring change to her town and advocate for the youth and their struggles.
The community was united in efforts to fight the increased illicit drug and alcohol abuse.
Through the continued advocacy, the community vowed that if nothing was done by the law-enforcement agencies, they would return to the street next on 26 June 2025, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), taking a joint stand against drugs with the rest of the world.
Receiving the petition was Chief Inspector Theresia Ndjavera, commander of the Rehoboth police station, and public prosecutor Steven Haradoeb, who said no stone will be left unturned in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and drug and alcohol abuse.
“This petition will be used as the voice of the community when fighting or opposing bail,” he said. He urged residents to not only come to court for handing over petitions, but to be present when drug-related cases are heard in court as this will emphasise the seriousness of the community’s plight.
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