Eba Kandovazu
THE state has laid criminal charges against a member of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) at the Walvis Bay police station, after he allegedly made hateful remarks towards President Hage Geingob on a WhatsApp group last weekend.
Jonas Immanuel, 42, one of the former employees of saga seafood who was retrenched alongside 169 others, now faces charges pertaining to the contravention of Section 17 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, according to Erongo Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu. Iikuyu says Immanuel is charged with incitement of public violence, defamation of character, assault by threat and crime injuria.
Immanuel is accused of posting an audio on the saga seafood WhatsApp group. The audio’s translation in English from Oshiwambo is “This cretin or diminutive thing .I am tired and sick of this moron, man. Why doesn’t God terminate (or put it down or finish off) this cretin? No man!”
Speaking to this publication, Immanuel says he did not mention anyone’s name in the audio, that he had sent it on the group by mistake. “We were just on the group discussing work issues. I sent the audio and I instantly realised it was a mistake. I then deleted it but it was too late and people had already forwarded it. I did not mean what I said,” Immanuel says.
Meanwhile,Nampol says a warning statement was taken from Immanuel yesterday and that investigations will continue in the matter. Iikuyu addd that after the completion of the investigations, the docket will be sent to the Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa, who will then decide whether or not to charge Immanuel, and on what charges.
Presidential Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari, says the Presidency is aware of the incident, adding that the matter is in the hands of law enforcement. “Namibia is governed by the rule of law. Therefore, the matter is in the hands of the police. Each threat should be dealt with by the relevant authority,” Hengari notes.
IPC Spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge, says he is not aware of the circulating audio, nor is he aware of the Police case. “This was done in the member’s personal capacity and has nothing to do with the party. We have not heard anything about this matter. We also do not know about the state’s case therefore I cannot comment further,” Nashinge says.
