Walvis Bay Rural Constituency Councillor Florian Donatus has expressed deep concerns over the escalating crime rates in the community, emphasising the urgent need for unity and responsible parenting.
Donatus was speaking at a candlelight prayer vigil held in honour of the late Matheus Sheehama, who was discovered dead after going missing from his home in Walvis Bay for over a week.
The councillor highlighted the increasing frequency of criminal incidents in the Erongo Region, particularly in Walvis Bay, and expressed frustration with the delays in law enforcement response.
‘We cannot have a situation where people are killed, and even though the community points out the culprits, it takes the police so many days to act. This is uncalled for and deeply painful for the families involved,’ he stated.
He further stressed the importance of community policing and the role of parents in preventing crime.
‘Parents often know when their child is involved in criminal activities, yet they remain silent. We must dec
riminalise our communities by working together and being responsible, not just for our own children, but for all children in the community,’ Donatus urged.
The councillor also emphasised the need to raise children with a strong sense of responsibility, warning against external influences that might confuse or mislead them.
‘Let’s bring up our children in the African traditional way, where we guide them with love and wisdom. We must reduce these tragic incidents.’
Tangeni Mujoro, founder of The Blue Project, echoed the councillor’s sentiments, calling for collective responsibility to preserve future generations.
‘Every decision we make today must be about preserving the next generation. If our actions do not contribute to this goal, we are wasting our time. We are only three million people in this country; we cannot afford to lose more lives senselessly,’ Mujoro remarked.
Sheehama’s body was discovered washed up on the beach on Tuesday after he went missing on 27 July. According to police reports, the dec
eased was last seen at a party where he was reportedly assaulted by a group of men, who have since been arrested and appeared in court.
Source : The Namibia News Agency