Gawanas unable to forgive ‘Jesus’

Namibia’s former ombudswoman, Bience Gawanas, a survivor of the notorious Lubango dungeons, says the death of retired military commander Solomon ‘Jesus’ Hawala has revived painful memories of the horrors she endured 36 years ago.Hawala, infamously nicknamed the 'Butcher of Lubango' over alleged atrocities during Namibia’s liberation struggle, died on Monday in northern Namibia at the age of 89.Following news of his death, those who claim they suffered under his command did not hold back in sharing their experiences.Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, Gawanas said it was too difficult to delve into the details of her ordeal, referring the newspaper to a Facebook post in which she had already expressed her feelings.In that post, Gawanas was blunt, describing the tributes to Hawala as deeply hurtful.“Watching the tribute to Jesus the Butcher of Lubango brings back pain and hurt I have been suffering for 36 years since my imprisonment and release from the Lubango dungeons,” she wrote.“I will never forget coming face to face with him during my imprisonment in Lubango and seeing his grin. Again, I met him at the Grootfontein military base during a PSC [Public Service Commission] visit, and I refused to shake his hand.”‘Under his watch’She added that she would not celebrate Hawala’s death but could not ignore the questions his legacy raised.“With all due respect to the family, I can’t help feeling that he had so much to answer for. There can be no forgiveness without apology, nor reconciliation,” she said.Reflecting on the many who did not survive, Gawanas wrote: “I came back alive to tell my story, but many didn’t. When their families asked me where they are, I was at a loss to answer because only Swapo could answer that question. Today, as we mourn the death of Jesus, maybe also remember and mourn those who died in the dungeons under his watch.”Sore reminder for some As Namibian Sun reported yesterday, government officials are divided over whether Hawala should be granted a hero’s funeral, given the grave allegations linked to his name.Hawala served as a deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and was considered a key figure in Namibia’s armed struggle. After independence in 1990, he became army commander in the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and, in 2000, succeeded Dimo Hamaambo as chief of the defence force. He retired in 2006, replaced by Martin Shalli.Inside Swapo and government circles, Hawala’s reputation is mixed – celebrated by some as a liberation hero, condemned by others for alleged human rights abuses.A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah could use the current moratorium on state funerals as a way to avoid making a politically sensitive decision.“Because of Jesus’ complex history, the president might use the current moratorium on state funerals as an easy way out not to give him one,” the official said.“There are also genuine questions on whether, given his history, Hawala is still a hero. Declaring him as such would just be a sore reminder of the atrocities that the victims – many of whom are still alive – endured.”Hawala would have turned 90 on 19 August. Plans were reportedly underway to celebrate the milestone at his home village of Ohakweenyanga in the Oshana region.kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Gawanas unable to forgive ‘Jesus’

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-14

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Gawanas unable to forgive ‘Jesus’

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-14

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