Dungeon inquiry to start soon

The commission of inquiry into alleged human rights abuses and war crimes in exile will officially commence on 2 September, says the chairperson of the Committee of Parents, Erica Beukes.She has announced a final list of 13 national and international actors who have so far expressed their willingness to serve as commissioners. From the international community they are: retired High Court judge in Zimbabwe and acting High Court judge in South Africa Chris Greenland, South African advocates Carmen Beukes, Zinsele Khoisan, John Liebenberg, and Fuad Arnold, as well as Nick Bailey from Britain and Mirek Vodslon from Germany.Namibians who have indicated their participation in the inquiry are: Monica von Wietersheim, Paul Thomas, Toivo Ashipala, Hendrik Christian and John Nakuta. Other names previously mentioned were those of Namibian Leah Shaanika and Paul Threwela from the United Kingdom. Their participation remains unconfirmed. The inquiry, which is expected to run for six months, will start with the collection of documentary submissions of each period in exile, starting from 1966 to 1989, and the post-colonial period, including the Caprivi secession up to the present day. This process is expected to take about two months, after which the documentary submissions will be examined against oral evidence. The joint committee of the Committee of Parents and the Truth and Justice Committee that are spearheading the initiative said a publication covering the entirety of the inquiry would be issued on a bi-weekly basis during the investigation. This publication will be for sale in hardcopy and online. The commission of inquiry is to investigate killings and detention of Namibian refugees, allegations of torture, forced confessions and detainees, complaints by members of its youth league and Plan fighters against Swapo's leadership in 1976, the involvement and complicity of foreign missions and other instances, probing of the Johnny Ya Otto Commission of Inquiry and other matters.“This process will be a gigantic political lesson, not just for Africa but the world, on the dangers of a popular front,” commented Beukes on Monday. Expectations are varied, explained Beukes, saying it was hoped that the commission of inquiry would come up with comprehensive findings and recommendations based on United Nations conventions. Beukes said a crucial element would be compensation, not restricted to but including of medical and psychological interventions for the victims and their families. CATHERINE SASMAN

Dungeon inquiry to start soon

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-11-07

Please login to leave a comment

Dungeon inquiry to start soon

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-11-07

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content