Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Katutura Residents Committee (KRC) and women’s rights activists have called for urgent safety interventions, including improved street lighting and CCTV cameras, following the death of a woman found in a riverbed in Windhoek’s Damara location on Thursday.
Women’s rights activist Rosa Namises, speaking in the wake of the incident, said the death reflects a deeper crisis facing women in unsafe and neglected areas of Windhoek.
“This is not just a mysterious or unknown death of a woman in our midst. It is part of the violence against women in our country. It shows how unsafe and insecure our women are – wherever they are, whether at home or out there in the riverbed,” she said.
The woman, identified as 35-year-old Delysia Garoes, was found lying lifeless in the riverbed between Frans Hoesemab and Fillemon Eicheb Streets at around 06h00 on Wednesday.
Namises stated that the woman’s discovery occurred in a poorly lit area, a known hub for sex work and other vulnerable activities.
“That street where the lady was found is an area where sex workers sit around looking for clients. It’s really not safe. There is no light in that area. The riverbed is next to the road, and I think a light just next to it could also make a difference. A light could be helpful, I think, in one way,” she said.
She went on to link society’s failure to protect women to unresolved social tensions and violence.
“When we talk about women’s safety and security, the incidents also tell us that there is a bigger anger against women in our society. The people who are angry might be our fellow men out there. I am very much concerned that we are not making a concerted effort to address this situation. Our women workers are in a crisis,” she said.
Gariseb expressed similar concerns, emphasising the urgent need for a stronger surveillance infrastructure to mitigate vulnerability and support police investigations.
“It’s important that I reiterate the importance of all CCTV cameras in our communities. Activities that can lead to crime must be taken seriously. CCTV can assist in investigations when matters of this nature happen – not only to put them on highways but also within the blocks of communities where lives become vulnerable,” he said.
Gariseb added that crimes often go unresolved in these areas.
“We should not wait for life to be lost. And I hope the police can take these matters very seriously and avoid other similar incidents in the future. This is not the first time. In such incidents, we never get to find the perpetrators. And that is not acceptable.”
According to Khomas Police Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo, the incident was reported from a house situated behind the riverbed.
Mubebo said when police arrived at the scene, the woman was still alive.
Medics from the City of Windhoek were called but declared Garoes dead at 08h38.
The cause of death is not yet known and will be determined after a post-mortem examination.
“Members from the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute, the Katutura scene of crime unit and the serious crime unit attended the scene. The body was then taken to the mortuary at the police forensic and pathology,” he said.
The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Mubebo said the investigation is ongoing and all information will be treated confidentially.
