Dee Nauyoma was the kingpin, says Nampol
Zorena Jantze
IN the ongoing case of Michael Amushelelo and seven others charged with causing public violence and other violations of the law, the Namibian police’s investigating officer on the case, Lisias Nakanyala, defended the continued imprisonment of activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma, stating although six other protesters arrested with the activist were let go on warning, he was not afforded the same as he was identified as the leader of the group.
Nauyoma today took the stand after his co-accused, Amushelelo, wrapped up his testimony. Nauyoma faces two counts namely incitement to commit an offence and public violence after he was last Friday caught in the crosshairs of teargas and rubber bullets after holding a protest in China Town immediately after the arrest of Amushelelo.
The protestors who were arrested alongside Nauyoma were also charged with the above two offences but were let go on a warning on the same day of the arrest.
Nauyoma’s lawyer Kadhila Amoomo defended that all accused persons should be treated equally before the law. Testifying on the matter, Nampol’s warrant officer Nakanyala however argued that although Nauyoma faces charges similar to the protestors that were released, he was identified as the leader of the group.
Nakanyala further argued Nauyoma gave instructions to the crowd to ignore police orders to evacuate the area and instructed that the protestors rather sit down. “Public violence is a serious charge as it disturbs the peace and security of the next person,” Nakanyala said. In his testimony, Nauyoma offered N$500 for bail and Amushelelo N$1 000.
Nauyoma further noted that he currently supports his elderly mother as well as two children who are dependent on him for their daily needs.
The activist further argued that what transpired on Friday was not in violation of the law, sharing that over the ten years of his social justice activism work he has not incited any public violence. “I would not say that I was part of the illegal people as I went there to raise awareness. I exercised avenues with the constitutional democracy to raise awareness and protest,” Nauyoma argued.
His legal counsel Kadhila reverberated these remarks stating there has been a mix-up between politics and law, stating that this case is meant to be discussed in the chambers of parliament.
The protest which was met with heavy opposition by law enforcement was ignited by the activists’ claims that the Namibian government gives preferential treatment to Chinese traders who they allege sell counterfeit goods. This, they claim, is aggravated by the fact that the Namibian revenue agency last week burned counterfeit goods to the value of N$5 million mostly owned by Namibians. The court case will continue tomorrow where the lawyers will submit closing arguments.
