Allexer Namundjembo
Windhoek community activist Shaun Gariseb says the City of Windhoek only began clearing sewage blockages after residents dumped buckets of raw sewage at the Katutura Customer Care Office.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, shortly before handing himself over to the police, Gariseb said the municipality had ignored complaints from residents for years.
The municipality has filed a criminal case against him after Gariseb and residents of Salm Street in Windhoek’s Nama 10 dumped buckets of raw sewage at the office last week.
“Since the day we dumped the dirt at their office, they started clearing blockages in Nama 10 and all over Windhoek,” he said.
Gariseb said he became aware that police were looking for him.
“Apparently they were looking for me at my workplace for a case I told them I would hand myself over for. I was just sorting another issue of deliberate sabotage at the ECN, then I went to hand myself in at 10h30 at the Katutura Police Station.”
He later handed himself over and confirmed that he was charged and released.
“Residents and ratepayers, it’s true, I was at Katutura Police Station, and I’m charged with inciting public violence and public indecency,” he said.
“It’s important to note that I was not arrested; I was released. The police were not clear at first, and only confirmed after two hours that I was to be charged.”
Gariseb accused a city police of bias and intimidation.
“If you look at the video from One Africa TV of a female police officer who came late to the scene at Customer Care and asked me sarcastic questions, it seems she’s the one behind this. We will still establish who gave her the authority and mandate. I don’t know the lady, but she seems to have an implicit bias against people like us who fight for the vulnerable,” he said.
He said the city police issued fines under municipal bylaws, which he plans to challenge in court.
“I’ll never be suppressed or threatened by police officers abusing power and trying to silence residents for standing up for justice. I know a thing or two and I know a few people too, and the matter is receiving legal consideration. I’m engaging the Office of the Ombudsman,” Gariseb said.
Gariseb thanked community members for their support and added that his activism is rooted in respect for the law.
“We respect laws and people, but we won’t be intimidated. Never. We can even die for the plight of the people,” he stated.
City police spokesperson Marcillen Murapo confirmed that a case had been opened against Gariseb, saying city police chief Leevy Ileka would provide further details.
Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners said on social media that they are representing Gariseb.
The law firm described the situation as unjust.
“We have received information that the police want to arrest fearless activist Shaun Gariseb from Katutura. Shaun has been at the forefront of assisting elderly people in Katutura whose water and electricity were cut off. He led a protest last week to demand sewage services. For that, he is now a wanted man. Our lawyers are with him. This is not fair, and we will keep you updated on this,” the firm stated.
