Interview: In Gobabis, Shelter Foundation Rally in Epako Ends in Arrest and Injuries

GOBABIS – The Right to Shelter Foundation faced a tense confrontation with municipal authorities and police over a planned rally on 22 November at the soccer field behind Epako Secondary School. Wynand Lukas, the organization’s second-in-command, explained that the foundation had followed proper procedures by notifying the municipality and police of its intention to hold a public gathering on informal settlement land.

However, two other political parties — the Swapo party and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) — also announced plans to host rallies at the same venue. Lukas said discussions with municipal managers and the police failed to resolve the conflict. When the municipality, led by CEO Sophia Eises, instructed the foundation to vacate the site in favour of the Swapo party, the situation escalated.

On the morning of 23 November, police and municipal workers began dismantling the foundation’s tents. The incident resulted in injuries among community members, and the foundation’s leader, Veronia Mokaleng-Kuzeeko, was arrested on four unclear charges.

“The arrest was politically organized and illegal,” Lukas said. “The municipality acted without a council meeting or resolution, and key managers involved hold positions within the Swapo party.”

The foundation expressed frustration at the lack of transparency regarding the charges and the handling of the event. Lukas emphasized that their intention was only to host a peaceful rally for the community, asserting that the municipality’s decision violated procedure and democratic principles.

The Right to Shelter Foundation remains committed to advocating for the housing rights of Epako residents and has called for an investigation into the municipal actions that led to the arrest and injuries.