EDITORIAL: The death penalty won’t fix what’s broken

Another string of brutal murders. Another national outcry. And once again, the old debate is back on the table: should Namibia heed some local church leaders’ call and reintroduce capital punishment?The emotional pull is undeniable. In the wake of unspeakable crimes, public anger is justified - and the desire for retribution, understandable. But the real question is not whether these crimes deserve the harshest possible punishment, but whether the death penalty actually works.The short answer? No.Despite its modest population, Namibia continues to grapple with alarmingly high rates of violent crime - particularly against women and children. This is not just a criminal justice issue. It’s a sign of deep, systemic dysfunction in our society. And no amount of executions will solve that.Globally, the tide is turning against capital punishment. While 55 countries still legally retain it, most have ceased executions or use the practice sparingly. Still, recent data shows a worrying rise in executions worldwide - even as the evidence that capital punishment deters violent crime remains paper-thin.More troubling is the inherent bias baked into death penalty systems around the world. In the United States, where capital punishment still exists in several states, studies have consistently shown that race, class, and geography often determine who lives and who dies. The Equal Justice Initiative put it plainly: in death penalty systems, you’re better off rich and guilty than poor and innocent.Namibia must resist the temptation to apply violent solutions to a violence crisis. Bringing back the death penalty would be a step backwards - a political move that feels bold but solves nothing. Yes, those who commit horrific acts must face the full force of the law. But justice cannot become vengeance.

EDITORIAL: The death penalty won’t fix what’s broken

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-11

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EDITORIAL: The death penalty won’t fix what’s broken

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-11

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