New Era

Cops probe failed arson attempt on Swapo office

- ■ Steven Klukowski - sklukowski@nepc.com.na

KEETMANSHO­OP – The Swapo office at Keetmansho­op was the apparent target of a failed arson attempt during the early hours of Friday morning. A group of unidentifi­ed persons almost succeeded in setting the office on fire. According to one of the office administra­tors, the culprits broke open a backdoor and sprinkled petrol inside the building.

“We were alerted by neighbours adjacent to the office of noises they heard and since the police were patrolling in that area, the suspects then fled the scene before being able to set the premises on fire,” the administra­tor explained. She also said upon further inspection­s, they found a box of matches next to the fence.

Swapo //Kharas coordinato­r Matheus Mumbala during a press conference at the weekend described the act as an aim to destabilis­e peace in the region and country as a whole. “As observed with caution, there was a post on social media, hours before the incident that our office is under fire, sending a signal of the intention,” he added.

Mumbala added the matter is under investigat­ion and in their opinion, this act has been committed by their “rivals”. “We are hereby sending a strong and stern warning for them to stop such acts and rather concentrat­e on productive matters of the day,” he said. Mumbala also called on the party faithful to remain calm and vigilant.

“I further call for unity among ourselves and to regain our Swapo party stronghold in //Kharas region,” he said. The party has opened a criminal case with the Namibian police in Keetmansho­op whilst investigat­ions are continuing.

 ?? Photo: Steven Klukowski ?? Forceful entry… The backdoor through which the group gained access to the Swapo office in Keetmansho­op.
Photo: Steven Klukowski Forceful entry… The backdoor through which the group gained access to the Swapo office in Keetmansho­op.

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