Interview: Okahandja on Edge as Murder Case Stalls

 

The community of Okahandja is gripped by fear and frustration as pressure intensifies around the unsolved murders of three young women. Social justice activist Johannes /Gaseb says the silence surrounding the case has gone on for too long, and the pain felt by grieving families continues to deepen.

In an interview, /Gaseb shared that he has been in weekly communication with the mothers of the victims, as well as with local police officers and senior regional officials. Despite these ongoing engagements, he says there has been little to no visible progress.

“The families are devastated. They feel forgotten. I’ve spoken to them every week, and they are tired of being told to wait,” /Gaseb said. “We are calling for answers, not just promises.”

The case, now under the Serious Crime Units in both Windhoek and Otjiwarongo, reflects the gravity of the killings. However, with no suspects named and no arrests made, residents say their patience is wearing thin.

While police have called for calm and warned that public protests could interfere with investigations, /Gaseb argues that silence and delays are only fuelling public distrust.

“The community is losing faith in the system,” he said. “We’re not looking for chaos — we want justice, and we want it now.”

He further stated that if there’s no progress or update from authorities by Thursday, he will escalate the matter to the highest level.

“We’re preparing to write directly to the Inspector General of Police and copy the Head of State,” /Gaseb said. “This cannot continue. It’s not just about these three women — it’s about ensuring our daughters, sisters, and mothers are safe in this country.”

The unresolved killings have cast a heavy shadow over Okahandja, where fear and frustration continue to grow. For many in the community, the lack of answers has turned grief into outrage — and justice delayed, they say, is justice denied.