Thousands lay Shigwedha to rest during emotional funeral

The Onalulago Combined School teacher who was brutally killed and burnt beyond recognition - allegedly by her husband - was buried at Ontananga village this past Saturday, amid pleas that God will change the hearts of Namibian men who violently abuse their partners. Justina Shigwedha’s funeral was attended by senior officials and thousands of mourners. It was characterised by emotional scenes, as colleagues and relatives of broke down in tears while her coffin was being lowered into the ground. “We have a tradition of viewing the body, but in this case God has planned otherwise. We do not have a body that can be viewed,” said Lutheran church Reverend Saara Nehale. Addressing mourners, Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, said it was unfortunate that Shigwedha died in such a heartbreakingly violent manner. She also said it was painful that her ministry was robbed of a qualified teacher at a time when it was experiencing a shortage of staff and was even recruiting unqualified and under-qualified teachers to fill existing gaps. “Meme Justina was the greatest gift given to all of us by God. As a mother and a community leader she warmly took care of everybody, even under the most difficult circumstances. The void she left will be difficult to fill,” Nghipondoka said. She urged men to control their anger and avoid resorting to violence against their loved ones. She described gender-based violence as a “lose-lose affair”. “Men gain nothing after killing their wives or girlfriends,” she said. She urged Namibians to pray more often, asking God to change hearts. “At a national level let us pray and offer support towards the healing of the Namibian nation. Let us pray for a generation of people full of love and caring hearts. Let us hold the hands of those who have endured pain and violence, and help them to heal. Let us say no to violence,” she said. She also urged people to pray for the alleged perpetrator of the crime. Oshigambo Circuit Inspector, Nickey Uugwanga, said he was representing 400 teachers and 9 000 learners under his jurisdiction. “They are all are asking questions that seem to have no ready answers. They are in tears. Teachers were robbed of a colleague while learners were robbed of a gifted teacher,” Uugwanga said. The deceased’s estranged husband Johannes Shipanga was arrested in connection with the murder and has already appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court. The case postponed for further police investigation. The accused was remanded in custody. Shigwedha is survived by her elderly parents, brothers, sisters and four children. ONTANANGA PLACIDO HILUKILWA