Stefanus Nashama
The Oshakati Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against social activist Michael Amushelelo, who was arrested on Monday while attempting to represent Rani Supermarket employees suspended for participating in a demonstration late last year, calling for the abolition of contract labour hire and other demands.
Amushelelo’s legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo, confirmed this development to the Windhoek Observer yesterday.
Amushelelo’s arrest was related to his alleged violation of a court order, which had instructed him to stay at least 400 meters away from the Rani Business premises.
Speaking to this publication, Amushelelo stated that his primary concern was the well-being of the suspended employees, and he would only be content if they were reinstated.
“At least if I was arrested and these people get back to work, I will be a happy man,” he said.
Amushelelo criticized the state of affairs in Namibia, labelling it a “banana republic” where politicians prioritize the interests of foreigners over the welfare of citizens.
He reiterated that his arrest did not matter to him as long as people could lead better lives.
He placed blame on both the government and the Minister of Trade and Industrialization for not sufficiently advocating for the welfare of Namibians. He also directed criticism towards the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation.
The activist further took issue with the Namibian Police Force, accusing them of prioritizing his arrests over responding to public calls for police assistance.
“The police and many cars are always available to arrest a small boy (him). When they hear that Amushelelo is here, even the generals will come out of their office. But when people need help, there are no cars available,” he stressed.
Amushelelo mentioned that he had reported a case to the police involving an individual who had threatened him with a gun last year but had not seen any action taken against the offender.
He reiterated that he had never carried a weapon or engaged in violence, yet he frequently found himself in police custody.
Meanwhile, Kalimbo Iipumbu, Deputy Leader of the Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEEF), criticized what he perceived as the government’s complicity in exploiting its citizens on behalf of a foreign system.
“Let us not be used by the foreign system. If Indians die here today, they will be buried in India, but if we die here today, we will be buried in Namibia.
We are Namibians, and we cannot allow such a system to continue in our country. Indians are jubilating while people are suffering, yet the government is protecting foreigners,” Iipumbu asserted.
He emphasized that NEEF represented both the working and the poor classes and pledged to continue advocating for the interests of the people.
