Sostenus Wilherm
Social justice activist Shaun Gariseb has called for renewed efforts to locate 36-year-old Siegfried Muyanga Nanub, a father of two who has been missing for more than four months following a hunting trip with two friends in the Ovitoto area.
Gariseb said he informed Sheriff Marshal Sean Naude about the matter, and that Naude has indicated his team’s availability to assist the police with the search.
He stated that he has written a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Anna-Marie Nainda, informing her that Naude is ready to assist if the police are unable to deploy K9 units and a helicopter.
“We wrote to the Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force to inform her that Sheriff Marshal Sean Naude is available to assist if the Police are unable to deploy K9 units and a helicopter or have reached a ‘cul de sac’,” Gariseb said.
The appeal comes as Nanub’s mother, Frieda Kaugo, continues to seek answers over the disappearance of her son, who reportedly went hunting with two other men in early April.
According to the report, the two men told police that Nanub became severely exhausted during the hunting trip and that they left him behind while they continued ahead to arrange transport.
Police subsequently conducted ground searches from 8 April until 1 May, involving police officers, regional council members, Ovitoto traditional leaders and community members across several farms and surrounding areas.
However, Gariseb has questioned whether all available resources have been used to locate Nanub, particularly specialised search equipment.
He said Naude’s willingness to assist could provide additional support to the police if the search has reached a point where investigators require specialised personnel or equipment.
Gariseb expressed appreciation to Naude for offering his services to the family and said his involvement should be viewed as an act of service to a mother desperate for answers.
“We thank Sheriff Marshal Sean Naude for his willingness to serve and assist Ouma Frieda in Ovitoto to get peace in her heart,” Gariseb said.
He also called on Namibians to support individuals who volunteer their time and resources to assist in search efforts, saying public appreciation should be accompanied by practical support.
“He is doing this as a service, but applause alone is not enough. We must act with helping through mobilizing resources,” he said.
Gariseb urged members of the public to stand behind both the police and Marshal Rangers as efforts continue to locate Nanub.
“Today it is Ouma’s son. Tomorrow it could be one of your own. Let us stand together, Namibians, and support both the Police and Marshal Rangers in this search for Siegfried,” he said.
Nanub disappeared after reportedly leaving home on 8 April for a hunting trip. His mother has since raised concerns about the handling of the investigation, including alleged communication failures, a lack of progress and what she believes could be a possible conflict of interest involving one of the officers.
The alleged relationship between the officer and one of the men who accompanied Nanub has not been independently verified, and there is no evidence that the investigation has been affected by such a relationship.
Police have rejected suggestions that they failed to conduct an adequate search.
According to a police progress report, ground searches were carried out for several weeks, while follow-up intelligence gathering continued after the main search ended.
Police have also said heavy rainfall destroyed tracks and dense vegetation restricted visibility during the initial search.
No evidence of foul play has been established to date, according to the police progress report.
Gariseb’s intervention now seeks to bring additional resources into the search while allowing the police to remain central to the investigation.
He said the case also demonstrates the need for Namibia to strengthen its capacity to locate missing persons, particularly in remote areas where difficult terrain and weather conditions can complicate search operations.
As the family continues to wait for answers more than four months after Nanub disappeared, Gariseb said all available avenues should be explored to ensure the search does not lose momentum.
