Allexer Namundjembo
“Okahandja, once known as Namibia’s Garden Town, has now become a place where people live in fear,” said Reinold #Goseb, capturing the growing anxiety of residents after a spate of brutal murders targeting young girls.
Community members are calling for urgent action: military patrols, curfews, and enhanced school security.
One resident, Richwell Tjitenda, whose children attend school in Okahandja, said he now fears every school pickup.
“When you don’t find your child at school, your first thought is that they’ve become a victim,” Tjitenda said.
Tjitenda also pointed to drug abuse as a contributing factor and urged the government to act beyond statements. “Condemning alone isn’t enough; action speaks louder,” he said.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) echoed these concerns. Party President Hendrik Gaobaeb described the murder of young Ingrid Maasdorp as horrifying and suggested a coordinated criminal effort might be targeting girls.
The UDF demanded stricter school security, increased patrols, and better verification for people collecting students.
Many have called for the temporary closure of KW Von Maree Combined School, where victims Ingrid Maasdorp and Rosalind Fabian were enrolled.
“Protect every child and stop the violence,” urged Justina Jonad of the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union, backed by NANTU and other groups.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of ensuring that every Namibian child can wake up each morning excited to go to school, free from fear or uncertainty about their safety.
“I don’t want a Namibian child to attend school while feeling scared, not knowing what will happen when the school day ends,” the president said, urging that it is our collective responsibility to protect them.
Recognising the trauma many citizens are facing, she called for cooperation with the police, stating, “The police require your full cooperation. They will inform you of the dos and don’ts, and it is important that you comply. Everything is done for your protection.”
In response, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has formed a high-level committee to tackle the crisis.
Led by Gender and Child Welfare Minister Emma Kantema and joined by officials from Education, Home Affairs, Justice, and Health, the committee met for the first time this week in Okahandja.
Their formation follows the murder of 15-year-old Beyoncé !Kharuxas, whose body was discovered in the Five Rand Location after she was last seen leaving a bar with a 40-year-old man. Police have not yet made any arrests.
Her killing came shortly after those of Maasdorp and Fabian, and another unidentified woman was found mutilated in the same area.
Minister of Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu called the situation a “national crisis” and urged immediate child protection measures across schools and communities.
Meanwhile, residents have begun organising patrols, and the Okahandja Medical Centre has raised N$44,000 toward justice efforts, bringing the reward to N$99,000 for information leading to arrests.
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has stated that additional Life Skills teachers trained in counselling will be deployed to KW von Marees Combined School in Okahandja, starting Monday.
Steenkamp expressed her deep sorrow over the devastating events. “I will ensure more trained professionals are deployed to support both students and staff,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Steenkamp also called on Gerhard Ndafenongo, the Regional Director of Education for Otjozondjupa, and his team to assess the situation at the school.
She urged them to collaborate closely with teachers and principals to address their concerns and provide the necessary support for the school community during this difficult period.
Meanwhile, the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union and the Namibia National Teachers Union are demanding the closure of schools where the safety of teachers and learners is compromised.”
