INTERVIEW: Katutura Residents’ Committee Calls for Action at Anti-Corruption Commission

The Katutura Residents’ Committee, led by spokesperson Shaun Gariseb, is organizing a demonstration at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to highlight ongoing concerns about maladministration in various municipalities, including Okahandja, Gobabis, and Windhoek. According to Gariseb, residents from these towns have raised complaints over the years, with particular emphasis on the appointment of Red Force in 2023, a process they argue was carried out without due procedure.

Gariseb explained that despite repeated complaints from the community, the ACC has failed to act promptly on these issues. He pointed out that investigations into the matter have been sluggish, and in some cases, crucial evidence has even been destroyed, particularly in Gobabis where 17 plastic bags of evidence were shredded. The residents are demanding that the ACC finalize these investigations, stressing the significant impact that corruption and maladministration are having on local communities.

“We are giving the Director of the ACC an ultimatum: we want a concrete timeline for the investigations, and we expect feedback. If not, we will take further action,” Gariseb said. The demonstration will take place tomorrow at 9:30 AM, starting in front of Eros Girls School, with participants from Okahandja, Gobabis, and Windhoek joining in solidarity. The group will then march to the ACC office to deliver their petition and demand accountability.

Gariseb emphasized that the residents are not only protesting the corruption itself but also to make sure the extent of its effects on their lives is fully understood by the authorities. This demonstration represents their continued fight for transparency, accountability, and justice within their local governments.