SOUTH AFRICA SEALS OFF NORTHERN NAMIBIA Economic Sanctions Against South Af- Rica

Home , East Caprivi, Hereroland, Kaokoland, Kavangoland, Koevoet, Ovamboland

LC, A. ARCHIVES

Editorial THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE This past season there has been re- curring news about the demonstrations against South Africa at its embassies and consulates. Bishop Tutu was hon- ored with the Nobel Peace Prize, and in South Africa the stateless black majority in urban areas has been demon- strating its anger against apartheid . But have you read or heard anything about Namibia? Barbed wire in Ovamboland, northern Namibia In cities and state capitals, in Wash- Credit: Lutheran World Ministries ington D .C . and in corporate board- Events a rooms all over North America there has been continued talk of the growing THE IMPRISONED NATION: movement for disinvestment and other SOUTH AFRICA SEALS OFF NORTHERN NAMIBIA economic sanctions against South Af- rica. If you read the South African The new "security zone" comprises newspapers, you can see that they are In a dramatic new escalation of re- six of the so-called ethnic homelands pression, the entire northern border re- set up by the South Africans very concerned about the possibility of : Ovambo- sanctions . And if you read of the gion of Namibia was designated a land, Kavangoland, East Caprivi, actions of the multinational companies "security zone" by the South African Hereroland East, Bushmanland, and that control much of the industrial government on March 11, 1985 . Ac- Kaokoland . Over half of Namibia's 1 .4 wealth of South Africa, you can see cess to that area by visiting church million people live in this area, which that they, too, are disturbed . They have leaders, journalists and all others is now borders on Angola, Botswana and prohibited without a police permit. Zambia. become so disturbed that they, together In an announcement made over gov- The restrictions mean that visitors to with the government, are pleading ernment-controlled radio in Windhoek, the area, both from Namibia itself and against sanctions on the grounds that South Africa's Police Commissioner from outside the country, will have to such actions may harm the black ma- apply to the police for a permit to enter jority for Namibia, Lieutenant General Doff . Can you imagine that? The same Gouws, said that the new security ar- the region . The permit, if granted, will South African government that has be for a specific number of days and murdered hundreds of peaceful black rangement "would be enforced strictly, and heavy penalties would be handed good only for the one trip . South Af- protesters now wants you to believe it down to people travelling in the area rica had similar restrictions in force in opposes sanctions out of its concern for without the necessary permits the early 1970s, and used the permit black people! But even in this debate, The announcement brought immedi-." procedure to deny access to church where are the suffering people of ate reaction from officials of the Coun- visitors and others who were not favor- Namibia? South Africa has been able to make cil of Churches in Namibia, who ably inclined to South Africa's occupa- the world forget about Namibia . Even represent more than 70 percent of the tion of the country. in the midst of demonstrations and dis- population in the territory. According According to Lieutenant General investment Namibia is forgotten . And to Dr. Abisai Shejavali, general secre- Gouws, the "regulations are in the in- South Africa is laughing . Why? Be- tary of the council, the new regulations terest of the visitors because the secu- cause the demonic violence of South "will isolate the population of the north rity forces are not able to guarantee Africa is nowhere played out more cru- from the rest of Namibia and from the their safety." world Dr. Shejavali disputed this analysis, elly, more consistently, than in the ." north of Namibia . There the killing is "We are protesting this action very saying, "I think this has not been done normal, the torture commonplace, the strongly," said Dr. Shejavali . "This to protect any visitor. Most of the suf- detentions everyday, the beatings will hamper the work of the churches. fering in the north is from the side of hourly. South Africa is laughing be- The north is where most of the suffer- the South African regime . These regu- cause we have forgotten. ing is. It is where the war imposed lations will hide these things that they upon us by the colonial power is occur- do from people who can report them — continued on page 2 ring church visitors, journalists and others ." ." Inside Namibia activities which enable them to partici- kindergartens open, the government LUTHERAN pate and share in church festivals and will step in and take over the facilities KINDERGARTENS special services . They also learn the — taking the young children out of the more practical tasks of how to wash, church's care and imposing instead an THREATENED dress and take care of themselves. inferior and segregated system. At present, the kindergartens are Twenty-four kindergartens in Nami- Sixty teachers are employed at the 24 centers, and each has between 10 and funded mainly by the parents, who bia caring for 1,300 children are faced contribute $31,000 annually towards with closure if the Evangelical Lu- 35 young children to look after. The kindergartens are particularly the program's budget . But the high un- theran Church (ELC), is not able to employment situation in Namibia has raise $50,000 for the 1985 budget. important for the poor and the unem- ployed . Many parents lack the means resulted in fewer donations to the The church-run kindergartens, to adequately feed and care for their church, said ELC Vice Preses Pastor which are situated in towns and rural children . For these youngsters, the Zephaniah Kameeta, at a time when areas in all parts of Namibia, provide a meal they eat in kindergarten each day rent, electricity and food costs have in- safe and stimulating environment may be their only one . Other children, creased dramatically. where parents can leave their children particularly those of working parents, Despite the best efforts of the fami- for the day and be sure that they are are often left without adult supervision lies concerned, and a special donation well looked after. The children are pro- during the day — sometimes with from the church, so far the kinder- vided with a daily meal, and are cared for by teachers who have been spe- tragic results . Youngsters have died garten program has raised only 41 cially trained for this type of work at a from eating rotten food they discov- percent of its 1985 budget . This is ered in rubbish heaps while roaming why the ELC has issued an urgent Lutheran training school in Namibia. appeal for an additional $50,000 to As in kindergartens all over the world, the streets on their own. And in occupied Namibia, the kin- help cover the costs of teachers' sala- play activities and singing are used as ries, school lunches, supplies, rent and mediums for teaching. dergartens are a rare place where children may learn that God's love knows maintenance. The children are taught basic Chris- "We are facing closing or handing tian education and are encouraged in no color. Under South Africa's apartheid laws, government-run educational over to the government," Pastor Ka- programs in Namibia are organized meeta observed, "and both will be cat- Editorial along racial lines, with separate and astrophic ." After noting that the continued from page 1 unequal facilities for black, "colored" amount needed to continue the kinder- Namibia is where South Africa trains and white children . Over the years it garten program is less than $4 .00 per its white soldiers to kill black civilians. has been the churches who have taken child, Pastor Kameeta commented, A Catholic priest reported to me that the lead in providing educational op- "We pray and hope to receive some South African soldiers have told him portunities for the country's majority help from our friends abroad ." they feel cheated if they return from black population . And it was the churches who initiated pre-school kin- Contact: Namibia without having killed a black Pastor Zephaniah Kameeta person. dergartens, recognizing the important Evangelical Lutheran Church Namibia is where the church of role they had to play in a society beset by poverty, war and legalized racial in Namibia Christ is under constant harassment. P.O . Box 5069 Where priests and pastors are being de- discrimination. Church leaders are fearful that if suf- Windhoek 9000 tained. Where evangelists are arrested Namibia and tortured . Where God's people — ficient money is not found to keep the school teachers and farmers, miners and shopkeepers — are being beaten and killed. Where God's children are being conscripted to defend the racist, illegal occupation of their country. Namibia is also the place that the United States and Canada (along with Great Britain, France and West Ger- many), promised the rest of the world in 1978 that they would bring to freedom . Our trade and investment pies, they said, could be used to persuade South Africa to grant their colony independence. But we have traded, invested, en- ticed and "constructively engaged" with South Africa for seven years since then, and Namibians are still being killed, tortured, detained and beaten. Perhaps our leaders have forgotten. How about you? Have you forgotten Namibia? Your brothers and . sisters in A Lutheran kindergarten in Namibia Namibia have not forgotten you . Credit : Namibia Christian Communications Trust

2 Inside Namibia years old, Mr. Abisai Iihuhwa and Mr. Miss Christiana Darihote, school prin- Andreas Namweya, 60 . All serve par- cipal ; Mr. Simon Hango, (Lutheran) ishes in rural areas where the South teacher ; Mr. Joseph Hailume (Lu- TERROR CONTINUES African army has recently been ac- theran) ; Mr. Oscar Haludilu, (Lu- cused of intimidating church members theran) Barclays Bank officer ; Mr. One person has died in prison and at into enlisting in the South West Africa Abisai Iihuhwa, (Lutheran) evangelist, least 39 others are being detained with- Territorial Force. Mr. Lazarus Iithete, mine worker, out trial by the South African police in The dead Namibian, Thomas Shin- Mr. David Jonas, (Anglican) ; Mr. northern Namibia, according to church dobo Nikanor, 45 years old, was a con- Shikongo Kalyenge, (Roman Catholic) sources in the country. tract laborer at the Consolidated school principal ; Mr. Reinhold Aumbi Mr. Thomas Shindobo Nikanor, a con- Diamond Mines at Oranjemund in Kwathiindge, (Lutheran) ; Mr. Kleopas tract miner, died in detention on Janu- southern Namibia . He was on home Mweuhanga, (Lutheran) teacher ; Mr. ary 27 . He had been arrested without leave with his wife and nine children Ndeuka Nakatana, Barclays Bank charge on January 22 by security po- on January 22 when he was detained. officer. lice at his home in Engela, in northern News of Nikanor's death reached Mr. Andreas Namweya, (Lutheran) Namibia. According to South African Anglican and Lutheran church officials evangelist ; Mr. Titus Nashima, (Ro- police officials, he died "by hanging on January 29, and church lawyers man Catholic) school principal, Mr. himself with his socks ." were directed to assist the family with Petrus Naukushu (Lutheran) teacher; At least 39 other persons are known an inquiry. A prominent pathologist, Mrs. Lucia Ndalyatapeni, (Anglican); to have been detained by the South Af- Dr. Jonathan Gluckman, performed an Mr. Kondjene Neghede, (Anglican); ricans since mid-January, including autopsy for the family on February 1. Mr. Joseph Petrus, (Anglican) ; The Lutheran church officials, school prin- (Dr. Gluckman was a pathologist for Rev. Sakeus Shaduka, (Lutheran) pas- cipals and teachers, and officers of the family of the late Steve Biko, who tor, Mr. Teofelus Shidjuu, (Lutheran); Barclays Bank in Namibia. All are be- died while in detention in South Af- Mr. Franciscus Shikongo, teacher, Mr. ing held under a South African security rica.) Timiteus Shikongo, (Lutheran) evan- law for Namibia known as AG9 . The Communications with northern gelist, Mr. John Shiluwa, (Anglican) law permits South Africa's occupation Namibia are difficult, and the names of mine worker, Mr. Reinhold Shipo, authorities to detain persons without some of the persons detained in mid- (Lutheran) ; Mr. Oskar Shikoyeni; charge or trial for repeated periods of Mr. Paulus Shipweya, (Roman Catho- 30 days. January have just been reported by their families . Included, in addition to lic) ; Mr. Erastus Uutoni, (Lutheran) Concern for the safety of the detain- the Lutheran church officials and Mr. postal worker; Mr. Kashululu Viliho, ees was expressed yesterday by leaders Nikanor, are two officials of Barclays (Roman Catholic) teacher ; Mr. Marius of the large Christian churches in the Bank . Mr. Oscar Haludilu, a manager Walombola. South Africa-occupied territory. at the Barclays branch at Oshakati, is Frank Hamunime, (Lutheran) con- The detained Lutheran pastor, Sa- 35 years old and a member of the Lu- tractor ; Lazarus Gideon (Lutheran) keus Shaduka, was arrested on January theran church . Mr. Ndeuka Nakatana teacher; Nestor Ashoongo ; Petrus Shi- 31 at his parish near 0shaango, a rural, is a worker at the Ondangua branch of pahu; Ndume Wejulu ; Simeon Georg; wooded area in Ovamboland . Pastor Barclays. Paulus Barnabas ; Hannai Haunaya ; Pe- Shaduka is 56 years old and serves a ter Nghidulika Haitembu, (Lutheran) parish of about 4,000 persons . Three This list of detainees as presently chief. Lutheran evangelists are also being de- known is as follows: t Mr. Thomas Shindobo Nikanor, tained : Mr. Timiteus Shikongo, 48 Ms . Desiderius Ankome, teacher ; died in detention, January 27, 1985 . ASSAULT VICTIMS WIN COMPENSATION The South African occupation authorities in Namibia have reached out-of-court settlements with eight victims of assault by the dreaded secret police unit Koevoet . On January 25, South Africa agreed to pay Mrs . Katrina Hamukwaya, the widow of Jona Hamukwaya, $29,000 to drop her civil suit against the South Advocacy Aids African Minister of Law and Order, Louis Le Grange, South African Defense Minister General Magnus Malan, and South Africa's Administrator-General for Namibia, Dr. Willem Van Niekerk, for responsibility in the death of her husband Back issues of Dateline : Namibia at the hands of Koevoet on November 18, 1982. may be ordered free of charge by writ- Eyewitnesses to Hamukwaya's death have testified that the school teacher was ing Dateline: Namibia, 231 Madison "beaten like a snake" on the banks of the Kavango River by Koevoet soldiers, Avenue, New York, NY 10016 ; or and doctors who examined Mr. Hamukwaya testified that his injuries revealed phoning (212) 696-6841 . The film "A Cry for Freedom" is available from he'd been dragged and subjected to "massive trauma ." A 1983 inquest into Hamukwaya 's death found that his death had resulted from "an act or omission LCA synod libraries or through the on the part of members of the unit known as Koevoet" Augsburg Publishing House audio- Seven other Namibians, Raimbert Kudumu, Frans Majira, Patricia Katanga, visual departments . Other resources on Petrus Shekunya, Petrus Ugwanga, Petrus Amukoshi and Ms . Paulinus Imelide, Namibia are available from Lutheran received a total of $15,000 as compensation for assaults inflicted by Koevoet in World Ministries, 360 Park Avenue the Ovambo and Kavango war zones. South, New York, NY 10010 . The settlements were the first to be reached on charges of atrocities by Koevoet. Many observers believe South Africa agreed to the out-of-court ar- rangements to prevent additional evidence of Koevoet atrocities from being aired in court . 3 Church Leaders AN INTERVIEW WITH DR . ABISAI SHEJAVALI

Dr. Abisai Shejavali is the General Secretary of the Council of Churches in Namibia. He is 50 years old and an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Ovambokavango Church, Namibia's largest church body. The council that he serves is a fully ecumenical body with Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Congregational churches as members . Fully 70 percent of Nami- bia's 1 .4 million people are followers of the Christian faith. Dr. Shejavali's native land is the last colony on the African continent . Namibia was first occupied by Germany in the last century and has been governed by South Africa since World War 1, originally under a trust mandate from the League of Nations . In 1966, the United Nations revoked the trust mandate, citing the brutal occupation policies of South Africa as betraying the "sacred trust of civilisation" that was the heart of the mandate. In 1971, the International Court of Justice upheld the revocation of the mandate . Yet South Africa refused to leave the territory, and its occupation continues. Dr. Abisai Shejavali Dateline: Namibia spoke with Dr . Shejavali in Harare, Zimbabwe. Credit : Namibia Christian Communications Trust Q: Namibia has been under colonial occupation for over a something would be done, but people who are living near hundred years. The United Nations has a plan for the inde- the border say it seems to be a kind of trick . One day you pendence of Namibia, Security Council Resolution 435. see South African troops coming out of Angola, and the What exactly is the obstacle to its implementation? following day you see others going in. (South African troops halted their withdrawal in August 1984, and remain A: South Africa is really the stumbling block to the imple- in possession of a substantial portion of Angolan territory mentation of Resolution 435 . Although South Africa has — Ed . note.) Nothing has been brought about that would agreed to it, it is always trying delaying tactics not to give mark peace in Namibia . Things are becoming worse and any real independence to the Namibian people . Then the worse. People are being detained . People are kept incom- United States, especially this President Reagan, came up municado ; they are not brought to trial . People wanting to with the issue of the Cuban presence in Angola, which has visit their relatives in detention sometimes don't know now been linked to our country's political settlement. where the man is, or where the women have been kept. Men and women are being arrested, men and women are Q : But South Africa says that it can't withdraw from Nami- being killed, men and women are being beaten up — all bia because, if it did, the Soviet Union, through the Cu- these by forces under the South African government . So bans, would install in power the Namibian liberation there is no peace. movement, SWAPO (South West Africa Peoples Organiza- tion), which they describe as a "terrorist organization ." Q: What is the attitude of the South African troops in the They say the Namibian people are more afraid of SWAPO north? Do they act as though they are trying to protect and the Soviets than they are of South Africa, and that South Namibia from an outside threat, or do they act more like an Africa is protecting them from that. occupation army? A: This is not true. SWAPO is dedicated to the implementa- A : The South Africans tell the Americans they are a defense tion of Resolution 435. They agreed to that and also that the force in Namibia, but we in Namibia, we ask ourselves, are United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) will these people really a defense force? They tell the world they come to supervise elections. We say the Cuban presence in are protecting the Namibian people from "terrorists" — but Angola is not a threat to the majority of people in Namibia. in reality they are the ones who are causing a lot of deaths. We don't think that our independence should be connected They are the ones who are destroying the humanity of to the issue of another state . Angola, as a sovereign state, Namibia . They are the ones who are doing everything. has the right to invite Cubans in . We know who has caused They beat up the people, they come during the night. the problem in southern Africa and in Angola — it is South There is Koevoet. You have heard about Koevoet? (A Africa. counterinsurgency unit of the South African police, see I think the West should know that our struggle is not page 7) These people put themselves in freedom fighters' being made on behalf of the Soviets . We are serious about uniforms, they go to houses and villages saying that they our independence and freedom, and we are struggling to are SWAPO men and they want to be given food . They achieve it . What we want only is to let Resolution 435 be pretend to be SWAPO . But after they are given food, they implemented . Give the people a chance to participate in fair come again and say, "You are the people who are giving the and free elections. terrorists food ." Then, either they beat up the people or they kill them or do anything they want . It is very difficult Q : The beginning of the withdrawal of South African forces if you see someone with a gun coming to you and asking for from southern Angola in February 1984 was presented as food . So they do many things. the beginning of a process that would lead to independence It is illogical to believe that SWAPO freedom fighters are for Namibia . In your experience, has the signing of this those who are killing or destroying or beating the people. agreement with Angola brought peace to Namibia in any SWAPO is committed to the struggle for freedom of Nami- way? bia and cannot turn and destroy the people . The crimes that are taking place there, whether it is killing or rape, are A : When we heard that South Africa was going to disen- being caused by the occupation of South African troops and gage its troops from southern Angola, we were happy that police forces. 4 Whenever a man is found dead, South African soldiers A : If you come to our country we can take you to the north and police forces say that he has been killed by "terrorists ." and you will have many people who will tell you — if they It was now clear, however, who had killed this man. trust you . Because usually the people do not trust strangers, SWAPO has become a scapegoat for all these evil deeds especially people coming from America. which have taken place. Q: It sounds like the Namibian people are becoming in- Q: And this is a common occurrence in the north? creasingly angry or bitter towards the United States be- A: It takes place many times. cause of the role the Americans play in supporting South Africa. Q: How have the people fared economically under South A : Yes, it is true. It is a real pity that the American people, African rule? What is the current economic situation in who speak about democracy and liberty, have stopped the Namibia? oppressed and suffering people of Namibia from getting A: There is a lot of suffering — like unemployment and the their independence and freedom . In the sense that Reagan is injustice of the distribution of the economy . Black people cooperating with the South African government, all Ameri- are paid less, and what they receive cannot feed and support cans are supporting South Africa militarily, politically and their families . Some of the people who are working as economically. Our problems, our sufferings and our op- nurses or teachers might get more than before, but this is pressions are not only being caused by South Africa, but only for a few. The majority are suffering economically. also by America and by the other Western countries who are now cooperating with South Africa . It is a pity that Reagan Q: Do people still have to come from the north to the south and the American people could not side with the oppressed to work in the mines? people, but instead they side with the oppressor, a minority which is dominating more than 26 million people in South A: Yes, they do . They come from the north to the south and Africa. We wish the United States would take a strong stand they are given a very short time to visit their families, and if against the South African government and that South Africa they overstay they might lose their job . They are given one would withdraw its troops from Namibia . We wish that month or one week a year to visit their families. It is really when the United States speaks of liberty, it would know a difficult situation . There are not yet houses so that mi- what it is really talking about. grant laborers can live with their families. Also, the war situation is really a problem . Some young Q: What are the implications from that after independence people and women have left the north and gone to the south — do you think the Namibian people will still be angry and because they think it is safer. But in the south you have to will remember what the Americans have done? have a job in order to survive . This is very difficult . You find people crowded in small houses, and the government A : Well, we try to forgive. But I think the most important doesn't do anything to provide enough housing or give thing for you, as an American, is not to wait until we have money to the people so that they can survive. become independent to see whether we will have a good relationship with you . I think the best way is to begin now Q : Is it proving a real problem? to side with the right side — to side with the oppressed A : It is causing problems because you find that the people people who have suffered many years struggling for their freedom and human rights . What you could do is to side are without food, children are being born and they are with them against oppression, against this apartheid sys- suffering from malnutrition. Also, our country has been tem, and against all these forces which function against badly affected by drought for several years . I think the justice, against humanity. whole life is very difficult, really difficult. There are not enough schools to educate black people. Then there is a special problem for those young people who Q: Speaking as an individual and a Christian, would you have gone to school and taken exams — they remain with- say that United States policy towards Namibia right now is out a job. This is causing a hopeless and helpless situation a Christian policy? for the young people. It is very difficult . The whites get A: It is a non-Christian policy. Because one's Christianity better education and get the jobs. has to be seen from one's actions . I think sometimes some people say that they are for freedom and independence of Q: Just because of the color of their skin? Namibia but they speak only with their mouths, we do not A: We could say we are suffering just because we are black. read it in their actions . Your policy of siding with South Africa against the suffering majority is non-Christian . We Q : So that is the heresy of apartheid . Now there is a curfew say that apartheid is a sin, is a crime, is a heresy. Why in effect in northern Namibia — what does that mean for should you side with that? people's lives? Q: If there were three things the people in the Western A : It is very difficult, because after 6 or 7 o'clock in the nations could be doing to help Namibia, what would those evening you have to try to remain silent at your home . If three things be? you become sick and you need some kind of emergency treatment, you cannot be taken to the hospital because you A: I think the first one is that pressure should be brought to are not allowed to move. Even women who are giving birth bear on the United States government to support the United to a child are not allowed to move during the night. Nations in the struggle for liberating Namibia from the colonial regime of South Africa . The United States should Q : Do you know of specific cases where people have died stop from vetoing and abstaining from the resolutions made because of the curfew? continued on page 6 5 have the following effects . It will hin- right to campaign freely. In situations der the church in the exercising of its of emergency in human need, people Churches Decry legitimate activities in the following may be prevented from responding be- ways: cause of the stated provision of three New Regulations ~ The free proclamation of the gospel days notice for application. and the work of reconciliation will be The people in the northern district of Resolution of the Executive Commit- hampered, • Clergy and church workers may be our country have experienced much tee of the Council of Churches in Nami- suffering as a result of the war situa- bia of 14th March 1985, regarding severely restricted from performing tion . As a result of this proclamation Proclamation AG 28, Declarations and their church functions, they will be further isolated . We be- Orders under the Security District • In terms of the proclamation: lieve that access to, and contact and Proclamation 1977, Districts of No person unless he (1) is a member of fellowship between churches in the of Ovambo, Kavango, Kaokoland, East- the security forces or unless (2) is in fected areas and churches fraternally ern Caprivi, Bushmanland and Herero- possession of a permit issued to him by linked, and the continuing need to re- land East. the commissioner of the South West Af affirm partnership with the interna- We the Executive Committee of the rican Police or any person acting un- tional Christian community will be Council of Churches in Namibia ex- der his authority to the effect that curtailed. In addition, contact with and press our dismay and deep concern authority has been granted to him to the free flow of information from these about the above-named security procla- enter or be in that district for such pur- areas both internally and to the outside mation . We believe that such legisla- posesand during such periods and sub- world is a prerequisite for a solution to tion at this stage of negotiations is a ject to such conditions as may be the conflict in Namibia. retrogressive step which will reintro- mentioned in the permit. duce restrictions on freedom of move- From these provisions it appears that Therefore, because of these forego- ment of people within our country. powers will be given to the police ing concerns and in our belief that in- We believe that we are expressing which prescribe amongst others, the creased restrictions do nothing to the feeling of the overwhelming major- purpose, period and even conditions answer the present need, nor do they ity of our country's population who are which may be imposed on any persons invite hope for peace in the future, we members of the various churches affili- entering these areas . We believe that strongly call for the unconditional re- ated to the Council of Churches in this constitutes a serious violation of peal of the proclamation, and we fur- Namibia. We believe that such legisla- freedom of movement which will place ther resolve to appoint a delegation of tionhas nodemocratic base and is arbi- in jeopardy the possibility of free and church leaders to consult with the Ad- trarily imposed on the people . It is our fair elections in terms of UN Resolu- ministrator General on this issue to contention that such legislation will tion 435 if not everyone is afforded the seek the repeal of the proclamation.

Shejavali Interview continued on behalf of Namibia at the United Nations . Support should Q : Finally, Dr. Shejavali, there has been a debate in Amer- be given to the U .N . -for the independence of Namibia ica about the decision of the Lutheran World Federation to whenever it is dealing with the issue . Our independence suspend membership of the South African churches between should be the number one issue, and you should get away those who think this is a positive thing and those who say from this linkage of Cubans to our political settlement . This this cuts offdialogue, isolates the churches of South Africa, I say in all seriousness. and is inherently un-Christian . What is your assessment of The second thing I would say is that help could be given that debate ? in educational and in material ways to support our Nami- A : Unity between the oppressed churches and the oppress- bians in exile in their many needs, and help to those who ing churches is no real unity. There is no such thing —unity are inside Namibia to get more education. If they are help- between oppressor and oppressed . The members of the ing our brothers and sisters in exile and at the same time white Lutheran church are employers ; they employ the helping our brothers and sisters in Namibia in education, black Lutherans —the relationship is boss and servant . The then we will say that they are helping us to educate the boss is a Lutheran and the servant is a Lutheran . Is that whole nation. really unity in Jesus Christ? We want to see ourselves equal Q : How can people provide material or educational assist- in Jesus Christ —all one, children of God in Christ. ance ? A: Inside Namibia they can do it through the council of churches . For our people in exile, they can do it through SWAPO. The third is, I would call to those Christians who have been helping with their prayers —praying for our struggle, praying for our churches, praying for our people in Nami- bia and in exile — to continue to pray because the situation is really terrible . The life of Namibians is being destroyed. Free We need this occupation to come to an end . We don't want South Africa there, because while South Africa is in Nami- bia, our independence is still far. We need really to pray and Nami when we pray we should also be ready to participate in action . Inside Namibia

Koevoet: Dossier on a Death Squad

To assist the regular army in its illegal and brutal occupation of Namibia, the South African government has cre- ated and deployed a band of more than a thousand security "policemen" known as Koevoet . Commanded by South African army and police officers in Namibia. white officers, most of them South Af- Credit: Namibia Christian Communications Trust rican, the malcontents and thugs of Koevoet was first identified in the they reveal their identities and impose northern Namibia have been brought press as an assassination squad with a summary punishment . Court cases together to provide a powerful intimi- "death list" of community and church have revealed that Koevoet members dation force against the people of leaders in Ovamboland, northern have burnt kraals, killed women and Namibia and their aspirations for Namibia. Because some of Koevoet's children, and taken part in widespread independence . atrocities against the civilian popula- looting from the local population. "The people in Namibia call tion became the basis for court cases, The brutal methods of interrogation, Koevoet `the important enemy,' " said the unit became increasingly visible torture, and killing are deliberate tac- one Namibian from the war zone . "En- until in 1984 the South African govern- tics by the occupation forces of South emies to ourselves and enemies to nat- ment openly paraded the group in front Africa to intimidate the population of ure . They are trained by South Africa of the press. northern Namibia against assisting so that they do not fear to do anything SWAPO. — including things that are inhuman. COMMAND STRUCTURE An example of the many deaths at- They are trained to frighten and scare Koevoet falls under the direct control tributed to Koevoet is seen in the court the people and to be brutal as to make of the South African police in Pretoria. case surrounding the November death the people afraid of South Africa so Brigadier Hans Dreyer, commander of of Mr. Kudimu Katanga in Kavango. that we will not support (the Namibian Koevoet in Namibia, was sent there in Mr. Katanga had crossed the Kavango independence movement) SWAPO" 1978 to organize the unit . Dreyer River to cut poles and reeds for his South Africa has occupied Namibia served in the South African Police in hut, and was stopped and assaulted illegally since 1966, when the trust Rhodesia during that country's war for by a white Koevoet member upon his mandate granted it by the League of independence, and was formerly a Se- return. He was further kicked by Nations was revoked because of gross curity Police chief in South Africa. Koevoet special constables and forced violations of human rights . Since 1966, Officers of Koevoet are white, and to run more than six miles in front of the South West Africa Peoples Organi- most are South Africans . According to an armored vehicle . When Katanga sat zation, Namibia's largest independence press reports they are volunteers, and down, a constable hit him with an ox party, has waged aloes-scale guerrilla many, like Dreyer, saw service in the yoke and ordered him to get up . Ka- war against the South African army in Rhodesian war on the side of the white tanga collapsed and died soon after. Namibia. In 1978, the UN Security minority government. The Rundu magistrates court found Council proposed a plan, Security Constables of Koevoet are black, re- that the two Koevoet policemen had Council Resolution 435, to bring a cruited mainly from Ovamboland and acted "over-enthusiastically," and peaceful settlement to the war and a Kavangoland. There are also former fined one $22 and the other $45 for UN-monitored election process leading members of the Angolan antigovern- common assault. to independence . The plan includes the ment UNITA movement and ex- This is but one incident in which ci- orderly withdrawal of South African SWAPO members in the force. vilians have been brutalized by this soldiers to either South Africa or speci- TACTICS special unit of the South African po- fied bases inside the country. Koevoet is not involved in police in- lice. Only a small number of such cases But under Resolution 435 the South vestigations . Detachments of black ever reach a court of law . Mr. Katanga African police will not be required to constables and white officers are sent had not been charged with any crime, leave until the elections are completed, out in counterinsurgency "search and nor was he given any opportunity to and, under the nominal direction of destroy" missions for a week or two. defend himself in court . Under South UN officials, the South African police, They are relieved in relays by fresh African security laws in Namibia, the presumably including Koevoet, will constables, so that high speed is main- police have the right to detain persons control the population during the elec- tained. In the words of the South Afri- without legal recourse, and the civilian tionprocess . Since its creation in 1979, can Rand Daily Mail, "they hunt down population is constantly subject to the Koevoet has become the most feared their quarry in a bloodhound style" arbitrary decisions and brutal activities occupation unit in Namibia. Koevoet units approach remote huts of Koevoet. NAME and villages in search of guerrillas . Ci- Excerpted from a forthcoming study: Koevoet, which in the Afrikaans lan- vilians are interrogated and often tor- Koevoet : South Africa's Death Squad guage means "crowbar" tured in the field or taken back to base. In Namibia Koevoet members sometimes dress up The Namibia Communications Centre ORIGIN as SWAPO guerrillas, entering family P.O . Box 286 Formed secretly in 1979 as an residences, called kraals, seeking food London WC 1 X OEL elite counterinsurgency police force, and shelter. Once given assistance, England Events 1985 . He has warned that those per- Other signatories to the statement de- NAMIBIAN CHURCHES sons who do not register will be liable clared that they would not cooperate for prosecution under the South Afri- with the military. Dr. Abisai Shejavali, PROTEST can Defense Act. a Lutheran and general secretary of the CONSCRIPTIONS But Anglican Bishop James Kauluma, council, said, "We will not register ." president of the council of churches, Elder Bartolomeus Karuaera of the Af- Despite threats of prosecution from stated that, as an illegal colonial power, rican Methodist Episcopal Church said South Africa, Christian churches are South Africa "does not have the legiti- his church "would never advise people increasing their protest against military mate right to compel people to register to register for the army. I am over registration in the occupied territory of for the army." sixty," said Karuaera, "but even if I Namibia . In a statement issued Mon- The United Nations removed a trust were within the age of registering I day, December 10, 1984, the Council mandate over the territory from South would rather go to jail than go into the of Churches in Namibia says the South Africa in 1966 . That year also marked army." African plans for conscription of the beginning of a military campaign When asked whether the priests and Namibian men ages 17 to 55 are "ille- against the South African army by the brothers of the Roman Catholic church gal ." Noting the coming "feast of the South West Africa Peoples Organiza- in Namibia would register for the birth of the Prince of Peace," the tion (SWAPO). army, Vicar General Heinz Henning church statement pledges "firm sup- According to the Rev . Alan Brews, said, "No. Absolutely not!" port for those who refuse to register on who signed the statement as a repre- According to the South African De- the grounds of conscience and love for sentative of the Methodist church, "We fense Act, it is an offense for any per- justice, freedom and peace : " regard SWAPO to be a Namibian son or group to use language or do Signed by ten church leaders, the force, made up of local Namibians who anything that might encourage persons statement calls for the immediate im- have become frustrated with the situa- to refuse to serve in the South African plementation of the independence plan tion and have opted for an armed strug- Defense Force . The penalty for violat- for Namibia known as United Nations gle." The churches wanted peace and ing this act is imprisonment of up to six Security Council Resolution 435, and did not at this time condone the armed years and a large fine. says that "the South African minister struggle, said Brews, but "this con- Earlier this month the second largest of defense has no right to legislate this scription into the SWATF is for many church in Namibia, the Evangelical defense law ." Namibians like being conscripted into Lutheran Church of South West Africa, In October of last year the South the army of the enemy" issued a strong statement condemning West Africa Territorial Forces "I think the South Africans are try- the conscription plans . That church, (SWATF) announced that all men were ing to be able to say that the war is along with the largest Lutheran church, required to register for conscription being carried out not by South African the Evangelical Lutheran Ovambo- into the force . Its commander, South forces, but by the South West Africa kavango Church (FLOC), the Congre- African General George Miering, has Territorial Force," said Brews. "But," gational and the German Lutheran since said that legislation enforcing the he continued, "the SWATF is South churches, also signed the protest state- registration would be issued in January African-trained and motivated ment. ."

WHAT YOU CAN DO Ltjk. RCHIVES Namibian Christians need your prayers United States Dateline : Namibia is published by the and support . Let them know that you Division for Mission in North Amer- share their hopes for liberty. Write to The Honorable ica, Lutheran Church in America, in United States Senate cooperation with the Division for Dr. Abisai Shejavali Washington, DC World Mission and Inter-Church Coop- General Secretary 20510 eration and the Office of Church in So- Council of Churches in Namibia ciety, The American Lutheran Church. P.O . Box 57 The Honorable Windhoek 9100 House of South West Africa/Namibia Representatives Washington, DC Let government officials know of your 20515 Dateline: Namibia concern about Namibia . Let them know that the time for the freedom of Editor: John A. Evenson Namibia has come . Your letters and tel- Associate Editors : Anne Leo Ellis and ephone calls to congressional or parlia- Canada Michael Fleshman mentary representatives can assist in Mailing Address: 231 Madison Ave- putting their attention on the continu- The Honourable nue, New York, N .Y. 10016 ing, illegal occupation of Namibia by House of Commons C 1985 DMNA/LCA the South African Defense Force . You Ottawa, Ontario can make a difference . K 1 A OA6 Printed in U .S .A.