Karibib pays tribute to slain teen
Community demands urgent action on crime
The grieving community hailed the late Antonio Angelo Xamseb as a well-rounded top achiever and leader, whose dedication and humility set him apart.
Karibib Junior Secondary School learners, teachers and residents paid tribute this week to a student who was stabbed to death on 31 May. The murder has raised widespread fears among the community about crime in the town.
A security guard discovered 16-year-old Antonio Angelo Xamseb's body around 06:00.
Xamseb's mobile phone was missing.
His fellow learners and residents delivered a petition to the mayor’s office, calling for urgent intervention to address escalating crime and safety concerns in the town.
A statement from the Karibib Junior Secondary School described Xamseb as a remarkable young man who made a lasting impact on all who knew him.
“Antonio was more than just a learner. He was a true leader both in the classroom and in extramural activities. He was an athlete, choir anchor, master of ceremonies, debater and a member of the learners' representative council," the tribute read.
"His legacy of dedication, discipline, entertainment and humility will remain in our hearts forever."
Do better
Karibib Crime Prevention Committee chairperson Clarence Geingob read the petition, which painted a stark picture of a town overwhelmed by crime, lacking resources, and in desperate need of coordinated action.
The petition urged stakeholders to move beyond promises and implement immediate measures immediately to prevent further loss of life.
Community members are calling on authorities for increased police presence, enhanced lighting in crime hotspots, surveillance cameras, and stricter enforcement of municipal regulations on entertainment venues, illegal shebeens and businesses contributing to unsafe environments.
Community policing
The petition also emphasised the importance of community policing and called for the establishment of well-equipped crime prevention groups working in collaboration with the police.
Additionally, it highlighted that Karibib's rapid population growth, driven by mining and industrial expansion, has outpaced the capacity of its infrastructure and law enforcement.
Residents also pointed out that the local police station, built decades ago, is no longer fit to meet the town’s growing needs.
They called for the construction of additional police housing.
“We cannot wait for budget meetings while crime claims lives in the blink of an eye; action must be taken now.”
A security guard discovered 16-year-old Antonio Angelo Xamseb's body around 06:00.
Xamseb's mobile phone was missing.
His fellow learners and residents delivered a petition to the mayor’s office, calling for urgent intervention to address escalating crime and safety concerns in the town.
A statement from the Karibib Junior Secondary School described Xamseb as a remarkable young man who made a lasting impact on all who knew him.
“Antonio was more than just a learner. He was a true leader both in the classroom and in extramural activities. He was an athlete, choir anchor, master of ceremonies, debater and a member of the learners' representative council," the tribute read.
"His legacy of dedication, discipline, entertainment and humility will remain in our hearts forever."
Do better
Karibib Crime Prevention Committee chairperson Clarence Geingob read the petition, which painted a stark picture of a town overwhelmed by crime, lacking resources, and in desperate need of coordinated action.
The petition urged stakeholders to move beyond promises and implement immediate measures immediately to prevent further loss of life.
Community members are calling on authorities for increased police presence, enhanced lighting in crime hotspots, surveillance cameras, and stricter enforcement of municipal regulations on entertainment venues, illegal shebeens and businesses contributing to unsafe environments.
Community policing
The petition also emphasised the importance of community policing and called for the establishment of well-equipped crime prevention groups working in collaboration with the police.
Additionally, it highlighted that Karibib's rapid population growth, driven by mining and industrial expansion, has outpaced the capacity of its infrastructure and law enforcement.
Residents also pointed out that the local police station, built decades ago, is no longer fit to meet the town’s growing needs.
They called for the construction of additional police housing.
“We cannot wait for budget meetings while crime claims lives in the blink of an eye; action must be taken now.”
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