Staff Reporter
SELMA Titus, a deceased veteran of the liberation struggle, is not allowed to “rest in peace” even after she was laid to rest in her home village of Omundaungilo a month ago.
In fact, it was her funeral that rekindled a political dispute and is the reason behind a lawyer’s letter demanding apologies from funeral organizers and some of those who spoke during the memorial service.
Erastus Haihambo, a son of the late Selma Titus, is the aggrieved person. He instructed his lawyers, Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, to demand apologies from four individuals and from the Swapo Party for the alleged disruption of the memorial service by, among other things, delivering political speeches, shouting political slogans, and displaying Swapo Party colours, which, for him, was a clear disregard of what was agreed upon by family members.
According to the lawyer’s letter dated 20 May, Haihambo was deeply affected by actions and omissions at the memorial service of his mother, which was “usurped and disrupted” through the unilateral altering of the program.
Apologies are now being demanded from the alleged culprits:
— Efraim Haihambo and Victoria Haihambo are asked to apologize for the alleged fraudulent altering of the program to allow the display of “political agendas.”
— Fransina Kashikola should apologize for delegating Immanuel Kakololo to deliver the veteran’s tribute in her stead, who did so wearing Swapo Party colours.
— The Swapo Party’s Omundaungilo district office must apologize for hijacking and then delivering a speech that was assigned to veterans of the liberation struggle.
— George Nambinga must apologize and pay N$200,000 for his role in deviating from his role as a speaker, turning to sloganeering, chanting, and political campaigning, thereby prejudicing attendees.
They have until next week to meet the demands or face further legal action.
One of those asked to apologize, Immanuel Kakololo, said that no apology is needed; therefore, no apology will be offered.
“We are waiting for their next step,” he said.
Speaking to Informanté on condition of anonymity, a resident of the Omundaungilo village and distant relative to the late Titus, said that banning Swapo colours, songs, and slogans at the funeral of a Swapo veteran was not only strange but also impossible.
“She was a Swapo Party member till her passing. We cannot disown her simply because one of her sons has defected to the opposition,” he said.
