BDF shooting: Geingob, Masisi call for calm as gvts deliberate

NAMPAWINDHOEKNamibian President Hage Geingob and Botswana's president Mokgweetsi Masisi have urged citizens and residents of the countries to remain patient as the governments deliberate on the outcome of investigations into the recent shooting and killing of four men by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). In a joint press statement released last Thursday, the heads of state appealed to citizens, especially those living along the border areas of the two nations, to remain calm, patient, and to jealously guard and maintain their historical ties founded on their common culture and mutual respect. The governments recently concluded a joint investigation into the shooting of three brothers - Tommy, Wamunyima, and Martin Nchindo - as well as their cousin, Zambian national Sinvula Munyeme, by the BDF on 5 November 2020 along the Chobe River where they are said to have been fishing.The incident caused uproar around Namibia and resulted in large protests in Windhoek, Katima Mulilo and Impalila Island. The two heads of state noted that due process will be followed by the relevant authorities in dealing with this “unfortunate incident” and similar cases in the future.‘Incident-free future’ “Going forward, an incident-free future is envisaged and desired by both governments and joint bilateral efforts will be put to play to avert a repeat of similar incidents,” the statement read. According to the statement, both governments recognise the need for adherence to the rule of law and to, at all times, maintain respect for human rights by their respective law enforcement agencies in dealing with cases of this nature. It further noted that both countries acknowledge the importance of reaffirming their individual and collective obligations under international and regional instruments, to which they are state parties. “They both subscribe to mutual legal assistance and the role of cross border support to resolve crime and to reciprocate the required assistance that is mutually beneficial. Both countries commit to following the necessary steps to ensure and see justice being done,” the statement said. It also noted that Botswana and Namibia are sovereign and constitutional democracies set up and guided by their constitutions, which are the supreme law of the land in each country.As such, both countries are committed to resolving the matter expeditiously and amicably. Chiefs of the communities across the borders are encouraged to logically and sensibly engage each other in order to smoothen collaboration and interaction between families on both sides of the border, the statement read.

BDF shooting: Geingob, Masisi call for calm as gvts deliberate

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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BDF shooting: Geingob, Masisi call for calm as gvts deliberate

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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