Renthia Kaimbi
Fifty young boys in Walvis Bay received free back-to-school haircuts yesterday after a local barber opened his doors to give back to the community.
The gesture came from the owner of El Shaddai Barbershop, 27-year-old Lumardo Mouton said the act was part of repairing harm he caused in the past.
“I destroyed so many people in my community from smuggling drugs. So this was part of how I am paying back,” he said.
Mouton shared that from the age of 12 until two years ago, he was involved in dealing drugs. He said his entry into crime began in childhood and was driven by hunger and survival.
He described growing up in difficult conditions, where selling drugs became a way to buy food for his household. Over time, his life fell apart. He became homeless and lived on the streets for most of his teenage and early adult years.
That period, he said, almost ended his life.
“I was about to slit my throat when a fellow hobo that I had met in Windhoek 10 years ago and who had gotten off the streets just appeared,” Mouton said.
“He said he had been looking for me. He sat me in his car and told me he had found God and that I should do the same. I cried for one hour and decided to change my life.”
Mouton said that moment, which happened six months ago, marked a turning point. He gave his life to God and now identifies as a born-again Christian. Since then, he has focused on rebuilding his life and giving back.
Mouton said the barbershop he now owns is a blessing and a responsibility.
“As a drug dealer, I messed the community up. To make right what I did wrong… that is what God placed in my heart to give back, because he blessed me with this barbershop,” he said.
The shop, he explained, is more than a place of work. It is also where he shares encouragement and faith with customers.
“I give my haircuts with the word of Christ, you know. To encourage people and to tell them about God. I’m doing my ministry at the barbershop,” he said.
Earlier this week, he posted a message on social media offering free haircuts to boys in need as the school year begins.
“Good day to all my friends. I would just like to inform you that I’m willing to help 50 boys that are in need of a back-to-school haircut… I don’t want anything in return!!” the post read.
He said he did not plan for attention and was unsure about speaking publicly. He later agreed after realising that his story could help others facing similar struggles.
“I didn’t do this to get publicity or to get acknowledged… I’m just doing this to give back to the community,” he said.
Mouton said the haircuts were not only about appearance but also about restoring dignity and offering hope where he once caused harm.
