SPWC bemoans the death of Stoffels
By Staff Reporter



Cde Petrina Haingura presented a statement on behalf of the members of the Secretariat, National Executive Committee and the Central Committee of the SWAPO Party Woman Council to mourn the death of the young girl who was brutally raped and murdered this week, Tuesday morning.

These were some of the decisions taken by the Party’s Politburo, which met on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues.

Magdaline Stoffels, a 17 year old dynamic girl was found bleeding and fighting for her life in Gammams riverbed in Khomasdal area Tuesday morning. Her throat was cut and she died as result.

Cde Haingura said that Namibia has been hit by yet another tragedy of a brutal and horrific rape and murder of a young girl that was humble, hardworking and bright who was about to finish her grade 11 high School this year.

“Today, as a country, we keep an audible silence fearful own lives, left with memories of harrow of this deed, seeking to obliterate from our memories of this occurrence which in its remembering, should teach us not and never to be inhuman again” said Cde Haingura.

Reading the statement on behalf of the SWAPO Women Council, Cde Haingura asked whether they are safe in the hands of people they regard as their own husband, fathers, brothers, neighbours and fellow countrymen. They also ask themselves what has happened with the morality of our society.

“Our morals that we cherished over so many years are fading away slowly. Today we sit with pre occupied minds, asking, what has gone wrong in the minds of some men to conduct such horrific, barbaric and inhumane acts. Women are no longer safe in our society, where do we go? Where must we stay? Who must guard and protect us as women if men are ones committing such crimes that one cannot speak off.” Said Cde Haingura.

She said that as SWAPO women Council, today join those who call for that City police to provide patrols along the riverbeds where children are crossing to reach schools morning and afternoons.

Haingura call on stakeholders to mobilize resources so that bridges could be constructed over strategic rivers where women and children are crossing.

“Let this case be an eye-opener for all of us and not only to speak, demonstrate and shout when such incidences to happen, but create continuous awareness and sensitize women and children on Gender Based Violence”. She said most of the time our development partners provide such activities, but these resources are earmarked for other regions because Khomas Region is deemed to be well established.

She urged the people in khomas Region to open their mind to pay attention to the region as it faces many challenges than any other region.

Cde Petrina Haingura was accompanied by Elder’s council Secretary Cde Kanana Hishoono, Windhoek east Councilor Cde Rosalia Sibiya and staff members of SWAPO party head office wished the bereaved family to extend its heartfelt condolences during this difficult time of difficulty, and trust that God the almighty will provide comfort to them during this time of pain and sorrow, and believe that God will change your pain in joy, by remembering the good that your daughter and sister leave with you. Cde Haingura and her delegation donated N$1220.00 cash to the bereaved family on behalf of the SWPC.