ONGWEDIVA- Residents of Tsumeb are calling for urgent repairs to streetlights, the removal of overgrown bushes and stronger action against unlawful late-night liquor operations following a tragedy reported on 11 October.
A mother of six minor children, Christofine Ganuses, who was reported missing on 10 October, was found raped and murdered in the Nomtsoub location the following day. The tragedy has heightened concerns over the safety of women and children in the community, prompting renewed calls for urgent action to improve security in the affected areas.
The Tsumeb Aitsama Madan Development Project, together with a bereaved family and community members, submitted a petition to the Tsumeb Municipality last week, raising concerns about the safety of women, children, pedestrians and other residents.
The group’s spokesperson Liezel Nanis said that the petition identifies Kuvukiland behind Endombo, the SOS site and surrounding areas, streets behind Omatara, and Nomtsoub as places where streetlights are missing, not working or left unlit.
“We ask the municipality to inspect and repair defective lights, restore missing lighting and introduce a regular maintenance plan with clear timelines,” she said.
Residents also want dangerous overgrown vegetation cleared from municipal land, including areas around Kuvukiland, the SOS site, behind Omatara and between Nomtsoub and Kuvukiland. The petition calls for ongoing pruning and maintenance to address safety hazards. “On public safety, we call for closer cooperation between the municipality, the Namibian Police, community leaders and residents to identify high-risk areas and increase visible night patrols,” she said.
She also urged authorities to maintain communication with the bereaved family and ensure investigations proceed with the relevant authorities.
The petition further calls for coordinated inspections and enforcement against late-night bars and unlawful liquor operations in Kuvukiland, behind Omatara and Nomtsoub.
“We ask municipal and liquor-licensing authorities to address premises allegedly operating unlawfully under applicable laws,” she said.
The petition further requests on-site inspections of all identified locations, immediate attention to faulty streetlights and overgrown vegetation, action against unlawful liquor operations and stronger night-time safety measures in cooperation with the police.
The petition asks the municipality to provide a written response and action plan within 14 working days, emphasising accountability and clear communication with residents.
Tsumeb Mayor Hofni Hamunyela received the petition on behalf of the municipality, acknowledging the concerns raised and the importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders in addressing community safety. “We recognise the pain and loss and the concerns raised. We received the petition and we are going to go through it and respond accordingly,” he said.
Hamunyela assured residents that the Tsumeb Municipality prioritises the community’s safety.
Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and, in his personal capacity, extended financial support of N$ 5000 to support the family as they navigate the devastating loss.
“My condolences to the entire family. May the family find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
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