Staff Reporter
A KAMANJAB father, Jacob Israel Mare, who was portrayed by South African -media as a kidnap suspect after bringing his daughter back to Namibia has no case being investigated against him in Namibia.
There was also no near arrest as alleged by social media platforms and local media who distributed the false narrative.
Namibian Police media liaison officer Elifas Kuwinga has discounted reports that Namibian national Mare’, who is accused of kidnapping his nine-year-old daughter from her school in Hartenbos, South Africa, on 14 October, was almost arrested in Namibia at a roadblock in Okahandja.
Mare’, has now opened up in a social media post and gave his version of events.
Mare’, who is a pastor at National Revival Ministries and whose parents are farmers near Kamanjab, said on social media that he last saw his children near a restaurant in Swakopmund before their mother took them away to South Africa “on holiday.”
He has since been accused of kidnapping his nine-year-old daughter and fleeing South Africa.
“This is the last picture I took before my kids left for the neighbouring country, South Africa, near my house at the Wreck Restaurant, not knowing they wouldn’t come back from the ‘never-ending vacation’ and that access to them would be denied to me as a father without any reason. I will not settle until I can see my sons, Samuel and David, in our home country, Namibia, and have rightful access to all my children,” Mare’ said.
He added that this situation could be resolved easily and quickly, allowing the kids to have both parents. “They deserve to have a mother and a father. What we are going through is not about revenge or spite on my part. I have forgiven and let go of many things a long time ago. When I lost my wife, I lost everything, and it took me over two years to heal and rebuild myself. Now, I just want to be a father and fight for what my children deserve,” Mare’ said.
According to South African Police reports, on Monday, 14 October, Jacob picked up his daughter from her school in Hartenbos, and they have not been seen since.
On Wednesday evening, SA police confirmed that the search was ongoing. “All possibilities are being pursued,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.
“I love Yaleen, Samuel, and David with all my heart, and they deeply love their father. They deserve the love and care of both their mother and father. Every night, my daughter Yaleen and I pray for her brothers, their mother, and our family. I stand firmly against drunkenness, abuse, or any actions that align with the kingdom of darkness. I call on men and women to repent and stand up for what is right in the eyes of God. Children should never suffer harm, not even from emotional instability. When kids know they have a loving father in their lives who wants the best for them, it brings immense emotional security. I am guided by the scripture,” Mare’ said.
