Sostenus Wilherm
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has condemned the brutal killing of a five-year-old child at Oshifo village in the Ruacana constituency, Omusati region, calling for swift and uncompromising justice against those responsible for violence against children.
In a statement issued on Friday, IPC deputy shadow minister of gender, equality and child welfare, Lucia Mbuti, said the incident was a horrific reminder of the growing crisis of domestic violence and child vulnerability in Namibia.
She said it was particularly disturbing that the child’s father, who should have been the child’s protector, stands accused of taking the life of his own defenseless child while the child was in his care.
Mbuti said the tragedy should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a reflection of failures to adequately protect vulnerable children.
She stressed that Namibia must not normalise gender-based violence, domestic violence or the senseless killing of innocent children, saying every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment free from fear and harm.
While welcoming the arrest of the suspect by the Namibian Police in Oshikuku, Mbuti called for justice to be swift, decisive and uncompromising.
She urged the justice system to ensure that perpetrators of violence against children face the maximum consequences allowed by law.
The IPC further called on the ministry of gender equality and child welfare to expand grassroots social work interventions, family counselling services and community-level psychosocial support, particularly in rural communities.
Mbuti also urged government to strengthen regional child welfare infrastructure and community watchdog systems to identify households at risk before violence escalates into tragedy.
Mbuti extended condolences to the grieving family and community and called on all Namibian fathers, mothers, leaders and communities to actively protect children and reject violence in all its forms.
“Silence makes us complicit,” she said, urging the nation to take collective responsibility for safeguarding its most vulnerable citizens.
