Martin Endjala
The acting Khomas regional police commander, Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo, has issued a stern warning, stating that law enforcement will not tolerate unlawful acts following the arrest of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Michael Amushelelo.
Amushelelo was arrested and charged with malicious damage to property and contravening various laws after burning tyres and blocking traffic during a protest in front of the Ministry of Labour office in Khomasdal on Friday.
“We were notified about the incident and dispatched a team of police officers and Amushelelo has been charged with malicious damage to property, in this case the road that belongs to the City of Windhoek,” he said.
On 25 October, Amushelelo carried out a protest in front of the ministry where he burnt tyres in the street, thereby blocking traffic.
Amushelelo’s protest was against the poor performance of the ministry in handling labour-related issues.
“From the police perspective, we are not going to allow lawlessness to take place in our city and if anyone has issues. They should approach the police and lay your queries and it will be attended to,” Mubebo advised.
He cautioned anyone who behaves against the law that the police will enforce the law as prescribed.
Mubebo advised the public to refrain from such acts, citing Amushelelo’s behaviour as not only dangerous to himself but also to the public.
Amushelelo charges are said to lead to either serving in prison, paying a fine or compensation for the damage caused to property.
Kadhila Amoomo legal practitioners refuted the claims that Amushelelo had been arrested.
“Please note that our client has not been arrested. He is home preparing to go to church on Sunday. Let’s pray for our country,” said Amoomo.
Amushelolo also confirmed that he was not arrested.
“I want to make it categorically clear that I have not been arrested as reported in the media. Take note that I have never been scared to face the consequences. I am a man of integrity and principles. I would never run away like a coward,” he said.
Amushelelo was against what he said was the unresponsiveness of the labour ministry on workplace safety, which saw many employees die in the line of duty in the mining industry.
“I sincerely hope that one day you as a Namibian don’t ever hear the news that your father or mother has died at work because of negligence and poor safety because I don’t want you to experience the pain of losing your family member in something that could have been avoided,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) expressed disappointment in the Occupational Safety and Health Bill draft that didn’t include stringent measures to address various health and safety issues that will protect employees of mining companies.
The MUN claimed that mines owned by Chinese companies have failed to comply with the law by not providing emergency services at their workplaces.
The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) secretary general, Job Muniaro has condemned the behaviour, describing it as dangerous to both society and Amushelelo.
“As a unionist and a leader. I am very disappointed about this incident. There are processes to be followed when there are any pressing issues of workers,” he said.
He said such acts do not only defeat unions’ efforts in fighting for workers but also send out a bad narrative to society.
“He is supposed to lead by example. Imagine a child, who sees this, and uses it when they are not happy. Must they pour petrol on themselves? Is this the message we want to send out?” he questioned.
Muniaro urged people to refrain from such acts and follow the processes of the law.
He advised workers to ensure they are represented by people belonging to a recognised union that can intervene in their labour disputes.
