Cry, the beloved country

Namibia found itself reeling with shock again, following the recent brutal killings of women. At the coast, a 54-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his girlfriend Hanguwo Otillie Mwateuvi. According to the police, the victim was stabbed in the neck, allegedly by her boyfriend, on Sunday evening in Walvis Bay. In northern Namibia, a young woman of 30 was also battered to death, allegedly by her boyfriend. According to media reports, the incident happened in full view of her young children. Many other senseless killings are dominating police reports every week. It is indeed a dark period, filled with tragedy and sorrow, as families struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. Namibia is clearly in moral decay, judging by the growing list of social ills besetting our usually peaceful society. Despite renewed calls and impassionate pleas by stakeholders to end violence against women and children, these acts continue to rear their ugly head. Domestic abuse is widespread across the country and many news reports detail the trials and tribulations of Namibian women, who have suffered domestic abuse, in most cases at the hands of their jealous lovers. How do we as a country ensure that we nip this disturbing phenomenon in the bud? Irrespective of the reasons given by the abusers, there is no justification for anyone to kill, rape or assault. There is absolutely no reason for our communities to live in fear and loathing, because of violent acts perpetrated by thugs with no moral compass. Moreover, Namibian men must be called to action. They must take a stand in the fight against violence, especially against women and children. Real men don’t abuse women and real men also don’t remain silent when abuse and social crimes are committed against the most fragile members of our society. It is time to take a stand against this scourge that is robbing us of our sisters and mothers.