Angry residents demanded that Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo step down at Okahandja municipality on Saturday. They opposed her decision to proceed with the Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo despite two recent child murders. The community grew furious after police found the bodies of six-year-old Roslin Fabian and five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp. During a tense meeting, Kotungondo announced a N$50,000 reward for information leading to arrests. She insisted that police work and the expo could happen at the same time.
Community activist /Gorub /Gariseb warned that the expo might help suspects escape. Petrus Kampuku pointed out that the town has just one police station, making crime control difficult. He noted that residents have asked for changes for decades with no results. Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo told the mayor he would block the expo, calling her decision uninformed. Some vendors asked for refunds because they felt uncertain about the event.
The controversy centers on different views about public safety and economic interests. Residents worry about catching dangerous criminals before another tragedy occurs. The mayor sees the investigation as separate from community events. The conflict highlights broader issues about security resources and local government responsiveness.
Community activist /Gorub /Gariseb warned that the expo might help suspects escape. Petrus Kampuku pointed out that the town has just one police station, making crime control difficult. He noted that residents have asked for changes for decades with no results. Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo told the mayor he would block the expo, calling her decision uninformed. Some vendors asked for refunds because they felt uncertain about the event.
The controversy centers on different views about public safety and economic interests. Residents worry about catching dangerous criminals before another tragedy occurs. The mayor sees the investigation as separate from community events. The conflict highlights broader issues about security resources and local government responsiveness.
