Africa-Press – Namibia. Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate and Otjinene constituency councillor Erwin Katjizeu have rubbished assertions that there is growing tribal tension at Otjinene.
Their dismissals follow Monday’s violent standoff between members of the Ovaherero community against the Ovazemba, Aawambo and purported illegal migrants.
Both Nganate and Katjizeu issued separate statements condemning the incident but strongly maintained that Monday’s confrontations had nothing to do with tribalism.
“As the elected regional councillor of Otjinene constituency, I wish to categorically refute and condemn the misleading and unfounded statements circulating on social media alleging tribal conflict between the Ovaherero and Aawambo communities in Otjinene. These allegations are completely false and do not reflect the peaceful and united spirit of our community. The truth is that members of the Otjinene community intended to submit a peaceful petition to the Honourable Magistrate, requesting that bail should not be granted to a particular accused individual/s in a matter of concern to the local residents, and they did so,” said Katjizeu.
He continued: “This action was strictly a civic engagement rooted in the community’s desire for justice and public safety and had absolutely no tribal or ethnic motivations. Otjinene remains a peaceful constituency where people of all backgrounds coexist harmoniously. I urge members of the public and media to refrain from spreading divisive narratives that have no basis in fact. Let us not allow falsehoods to undermine the unity and dignity of our community. I remain committed to promoting justice, peace, and development for all residents of Otjinene.”
On Monday, the settlement of Otjinene was engulfed in fierce clashes following the death of a local Omuherero man, accused of stealing and was allegedly attacked and died as a result of the attack by five Aawambo men last week. The suspects have since been detained and are set to appear in court.
Governor Nganate, however, cautioned the residents not to take the law into their own hands but rather allow the police and the court to do their work in order to bring about lasting peace and justice within the settlement.
“I addressed the community and reminded them that we are too few to lose lives, and I also conveyed my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased as well as the broader community. I urge them not to take the law into their own hands but to entrust their case with members of the security cluster and the Judiciary. I pleaded for unity and not to allow their emotions to defeat the prospects of this beautiful growing town of ours. So far, the situation is under control,” said Nganate.
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