PDM outraged over unsolved murders

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) claims that the murder of nine-year-old Cheryl Avihe Ujaha was the eighth of its kind, all of which remain unsolved, and that is an indicator of police incompetence.PDM member of parliament Nico Smit says these unsolved murders also point to the possibility that there is a serial killer at work in Namibia. “Regarding the incompetence and sheer lack of skills, energy and persistence of the Namibian police, the PDM is convinced that there are no well-trained and competent detectives in the police force who can solve cases that actually require real investigation,” says Smit.He says the police have the services of a state-of-the art forensic science institute that can visit a crime scene, collect and process all available evidence. However, if there are no detectives with the necessary energy, perseverance and skills to use this forensic information in investigating a murder, cases will remain unsolved.According to Smit these unsolved murders include those of Magdalena Stoffels, Natangwe Shikoyeni, Sana //Garoës, Melanie Janse, Juanita Mabula and Viola Swartbooi, and there may be many others. “The fact that the police seem to think that their only job is to ask the public to provide information that will lead to an arrest – this should be their last resort – means that this case will probably join the aforementioned list of unresolved murders in a few months' time.”Smit says it is the job of the police to investigate every crime and not to simply pass the buck to the public and then go on to something easy like arresting someone who is found standing over a body with a knife in their hand. He says it is the opinion of the PDM that the very same public that is once again being asked to do the work of the police is completely disillusioned with the attitude displayed by the police regarding their safety. Smit says it is time for real and drastic action to be taken. “As a result I will be asking the safety and security minister, Charles Namoloh, about the state of the police force and in particular its detectives after parliament reconvenes on Tuesday.” He said there have been enough reports in the media about large numbers of criminal cases that have to be withdrawn by the courts due to poor police investigations and of dockets disappearing so that possible criminals cannot be tried. “All this points the finger at a lack of competence and training and it is time to do something decisive about reducing crime in Namibia and keeping our girls and women safe.”The police yesterday said there were still no leads in the investigation into Cheryl's death and again requested the public for information. A N$100 000 reward has been offered for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction. ELLANIE SMIT

PDM outraged over unsolved murders

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-05

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PDM outraged over unsolved murders

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-05

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