THE Hambukushu Traditional Authority has directed Shadikongoro village residents in the Kavango Eastern region to close at 18.30 to minimize ritual killings.
Residents are opposed to the Hambukushu Traditional Authority fumu Erwin Mbambo’s July-imposed restriction on operating hours.
Rundu is located 184 km from Shadikongoro.
Mbambo made the order following the July 17th killing of Felix Thikundeko (17), at Rudhiva village. The community believes it was for ritual purposes.
Mbambo believes that limiting the hours of operation of bars will help to reduce the number of ritual killing cases within his jurisdiction. He claims that they are on the rise.
Mbambo claims 19 of the 19 missing cases were recorded at Rudiva or nearby villages. He claims that the deceased disappeared from bars before their bodies were found floating in the river.
“The introduction of curfew hours is not only affecting the bar owners, but all villagers. This is the only place that sells alcohol. The early closure is forcing the villagers to travel long distances to buy basic stuffs instead of these mini-shops,” said villager Frans Kalungungu.
The curfew is not consistent with the trading hours specified on liquor licences. Villagers were not consulted about this decision. However, no date was given regarding when the curfew might expire.
“From the time the decision for the early closure of bars was made, we are still in the dark as to when are we going to be allowed to trade on our normal operating hours. During the week, we are allowed to operate between 10h00 and 22h00. On weekends, we can open until 00h00. This curfew is against the provision and use of our trading licenses. This matter must be investigated by the traditional authority. [will] have to revisit its decision, because we are really not making any profit,” said bar owner Erwin Nyaku.
Bar owners threatened to sue the traditional authority if they are not heard.
Bonifasius Kanyetu, Kavango East’s police deputy commissioner, could not confirm the number missing persons cases in the area. He said that only two cases have been recorded, and that the police don’t know how the Hompa managed to reach 19 cases.
Kanyetu however stated that the Hompa is entitled to determine the curfew.
“What I know is everyone falls under the Constitution, if the fumu decides to have a curfew he feels will work for his people and the people are not happy with it, they should take it up with the judiciary,” he said.
Source: namibian
