RDP workers allegedly assaulted in North

THE National Society for Human Rights writes:
 
Two Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) campaigners have allegedly been assaulted by a mob of ruling Swapo Party supporters this morning (Wednesday). Festus Ezra (22) and Lucia “Katusha” Nangolo (26), both from Ondobe village in the Ohangwena Region, were allegedly assaulted in the bush while on a house-to-house campaign. The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 at Oshaango village, some 15 kilometers south of Eenhana, human rights election monitors reported.

During an interview with human rights defenders Ezra and Nangolo said that a certain Kapembe instigated their attackers. They described Kapembe as “a Swapo Party businessman, who drives a 2.7 white Toyota 4 x 4” LDV. He allegedly hails from Onanona village in the Ongula ya Netanga area.

Ezra sustained back injuries inflicted with a makalani palm branch, while Nangolo’s right arm is badly swollen after being beaten with a dry stick by a male attacker. Ezra and Nangolo told human rights monitors that they have laid charges of assault against their assailants at the Eenhana Police precinct.

Reached on his mobile for “his side of the story”, Joseph Kapembe (33), who said he was “a staunch” Swapo activist in the area, categorically denied the allegations. He, however, said that “RADOPA” (i.e. derogatory reference to RDP) was not welcome in the area as “they have no supporters here because this is Swapo country”. They should have first obtained permission from a local Swapo co-ordinator, he added.

Kapembe told NSHR that he hails from Oshuulu village in the Omulonga Constituency in the Ohangwena Region. Kapembe also alleged that RDP members had assaulted a certain Peter Iyambo of Oshaango village and that Iyambo was taken to Eenhana Hospital for medical treatment.

Electoral violence and intimidation in any form are strictly prohibited in terms of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties read in conjunction with Section 43(2) of the Electoral Act 1992 (Act 24 of 1992), as amended.