Desmarius Hansen
The murder of 34-year-old Valery Rooi has renewed concerns over gender-based violence in the Hardap Region, with the governor calling on law enforcement and the Judiciary to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.
The Hardap Region has been plunged into mourning following the brutal killing of 34-year-old Valery Rooi, whose alleged murder by her boyfriend has reignited concerns over gender-based violence and the safety of women in the region.
Rooi was allegedly stabbed to death during the early hours of Saturday (31st October) at Plot 11 in the Mariental district, following an argument with her boyfriend, identified by police as 32-year-old Jackson Arikumbi.
According to police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the incident occurred between 03:30 and 06:50 after the couple had allegedly been consuming alcohol with friends.
An argument reportedly erupted between the two after a disagreement over whether someone was still expected to purchase alcohol.
At approximately 06:50, Rooi’s body was discovered lying outside the suspect’s room by his employer. She had sustained multiple stab wounds.
Police reportedly found a knife believed to have been used in the killing, as well as damaged cellphones at the scene.
Arikumbi allegedly fled following the incident and remains at large, with police confirming that a warrant of arrest has been issued in connection with the murder, read together with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, 2003.
The killing has prompted strong reactions from regional and local leadership, with Hardap governor Riaan McNab expressing concern over what he described as the continued loss of women and children through acts of gender-based violence.
In a statement issued by his office, McNab extended condolences to Rooi’s family and other families who have lost loved ones to GBV, while condemning what he described as the brutal and senseless killings targeting women and children.
“These horrifying incidents, both recent and those witnessed in the past, are deeply disturbing and remain a serious concern for our communities and society at large,” he said.
The governor called on communities, families, institutions and other stakeholders to take a united stand against violence against women and children.
“We also make a strong appeal to law enforcement agencies and the Judiciary to exercise their respective mandates with urgency and firmness in ensuring that perpetrators of GBV are brought to justice and that victims and vulnerable members of our society are protected,” McNab said.
He further stressed that cases involving brutal acts of violence should be handled with the seriousness they deserve, without unnecessary delays.
Importantly, McNab also raised concerns about bail applications, saying these must be considered in accordance with the law while taking into account the safety of victims, their families and the wider community.
Meanwhile, Mariental councillor William Minnie described Rooi’s death as a devastating loss for the community, saying no woman should have to fear for her life at the hands of someone who claims to love her.
In a statement, Minnie said the killing had deeply shaken him and extended condolences to Rooi’s family, friends and everyone who knew her. “The people of Mariental share in this grief, and we mourn the loss of a daughter, a sister, and a fellow human being whose life was taken far too soon,” he said.
He called on residents and leaders to confront gender-based violence with greater urgency, stressing the responsibility to stand with survivors and demand accountability.
“We cannot continue to accept the loss of women to gender-based violence as though it is an inevitable part of our society,” Minnie said.
The councillor added that the community had a responsibility to work towards an environment where women could live with dignity, safety and peace.
In response to the growing concerns, the Office of the Governor announced that it would soon communicate a date for a United Prayer Day for the Hardap Region.
McNab said the initiative would bring residents together in prayer, unity and a renewed commitment to restoring peace within communities.
However, he maintained that collective action against gender-based violence remained necessary.
“We cannot continue to lose our mothers, daughters, sisters and children to violence. Every life matters, and every woman and child deserves to live with dignity, safety and without fear,” he said.
