Murder investigation stalls
The police are following up every possible lead in their investigation into the murder of nine-year-old Cheryl Avihe Ujaha, but little information has been forthcoming.
The country has been rocked by the gruesome death of Cheryl Avihe Ujaha, whose dismembered body was found last week Tuesday after her disappearance on Sunday, 26 August. There has been a massive outpouring of grief and support for the family while the police, led by Deputy Commissioner Abner Agas, tirelessly investigate the crime.
Tips from the community, according to Agas, have been far and few between but they continue to investigate and follow up on every tip they receive.
He reminded the public of the N$30 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the perpetrator(s) and urged the community to come forward should they know something.
On Thursday last week, gender minister Doreen Sioka condemned the murder and expressed her condolences to the family.
“We are together in spirit; they should not feel left out. However, whoever this perpetrator must know that the trees, grass, moon and sun are watching you. Hand yourself over,” she said.
According to the minister, the fight against GBV cannot be left to the government alone.
“We need to join hands to cultivate a culture of peace and love for one another. All of us are affected. Remember that a woman, girl or indeed a man and young man could be your family,” she said.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also expressed her outrage at the violent murder when she visited the Ujaha family last
week. On Friday, Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, accompanied by First Lady Monica Geingos, paid a visit to the Ujaha family.
According to Geingos, “Avihe's death cannot be in vain. The tears today cannot and must not be in vain. We must unite as Namibians, because crime is not tribalistic. We must practice forgiveness, we must practice tolerance and we must respect women and children.”
Social media platforms have been inundated with photographs of the little girl and there were calls last week for the nation to wear black.
On Saturday, a local collection of motorcycle owners called Bikers Group held a parade in honour of Cheryl and handed over a petition to the police asking for better protection of children and vulnerable citizens.
Also over the weekend, Cheryl's father Isak Ujaha arrived from Leeds in the United Kingdom on Sunday. He lamented his daughter's death, saying he hopes the killer or killers are brought to book as soon as is possible.
STAFF REPORTER
Tips from the community, according to Agas, have been far and few between but they continue to investigate and follow up on every tip they receive.
He reminded the public of the N$30 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the perpetrator(s) and urged the community to come forward should they know something.
On Thursday last week, gender minister Doreen Sioka condemned the murder and expressed her condolences to the family.
“We are together in spirit; they should not feel left out. However, whoever this perpetrator must know that the trees, grass, moon and sun are watching you. Hand yourself over,” she said.
According to the minister, the fight against GBV cannot be left to the government alone.
“We need to join hands to cultivate a culture of peace and love for one another. All of us are affected. Remember that a woman, girl or indeed a man and young man could be your family,” she said.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also expressed her outrage at the violent murder when she visited the Ujaha family last
week. On Friday, Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, accompanied by First Lady Monica Geingos, paid a visit to the Ujaha family.
According to Geingos, “Avihe's death cannot be in vain. The tears today cannot and must not be in vain. We must unite as Namibians, because crime is not tribalistic. We must practice forgiveness, we must practice tolerance and we must respect women and children.”
Social media platforms have been inundated with photographs of the little girl and there were calls last week for the nation to wear black.
On Saturday, a local collection of motorcycle owners called Bikers Group held a parade in honour of Cheryl and handed over a petition to the police asking for better protection of children and vulnerable citizens.
Also over the weekend, Cheryl's father Isak Ujaha arrived from Leeds in the United Kingdom on Sunday. He lamented his daughter's death, saying he hopes the killer or killers are brought to book as soon as is possible.
STAFF REPORTER
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article