Fighting together for change

Yolanda Nel
Yolanda Nel

With an increase in crimes targeting tourists amongst others, a petition was launched to change the justice system in the country.

“Criminals get out on bail far too easily and commit other crimes as soon as they are released,” says Sarel Hannekom of the Kleine Kuppe Neighbourhood Watch (KKNHW) who started the petition last week.

He calls on the public to sign the petition, asking that 100 000 people add their voices to the initiative.

The petition will be handed to the President, the Inspector-General of Nampol as well as the Prosecutor General. “We need to do something. We can’t just sit and watch as these crimes continue in our country,” he says.

“We recently witnessed how a criminal received bail for a second time after committing yet another crime. How is it possible that our justice system allows this?” he asks. “Time and again it is proven that the justice system has flaws and laws are not strict enough.”

He adds that except for financial losses incurred due to house break-ins and theft, lives have been lost due to criminal behaviour. “Criminals damage our country’s image while they prey on the weak and innocent.”

Comments on the petition board are positive with many Namibians standing together.

“Our justice system fails us as a nation. Criminals get out on bail far too easily and repeat the same offences time and time again,” said one. Even South Africans are getting involved, with one saying, “A justice system that serves criminals is no justice at all.”

Through the petition, Sarel wants Namibians to call on Government and lawmakers to bring about change to the justice system, make it more stringent and harder for criminals to get bail.

The petition can be signed at https://ipetitions.com/petition/change-failling-namibian-justice-system.