Swapo man accused of inciting violence

OMUTHIYA – A case of voter intimidation has been registered with the Oshikoto police by members of the Independent Patriots for Change against a Swapo member.

The accused Swapo member is a retired police officer aged 61.

Regional police commander Armas Shivute confirmed a case was registered with the local police following a recent Swapo campaign event at Onankali.

“It is alleged that the suspect

threatened to shoot political opposition members during a Swapo rally at Onankali, therefore these words agitated some members of the opposition, including IPC, who then decided to open a case (CR14/11/2020) against the man for contravening the electoral code of conduct,” said Shivute.

The police commander, however, said the campaign atmosphere was calm in the region despite the reported incident.

Namibians will go to the polls next week Wednesday to elect regional and town councillors.

“In the same manner I would like to warn the public and all those campaigning to conduct themselves in a safe manner,” he said.

A fortnight ago, former Namibian Defence Force (NDF) chief Martin Shalli found himself in hot water over similar remarks.

Shalli had called for the slitting of Swapo defectors’ throats at a ruling party rally in Okahandja.

He later retracted the comments and apologised to the nation.