City admits security gap after grave vandalism

The City of Windhoek has acknowledged that dedicated municipal security services have not yet been deployed at Groot Aub Cemetery, following the vandalism of Joseph Willem Modise’s grave.

The municipality said the cemetery remains in a transitional phase following the incorporation of Groot Aub into the City of Windhoek and has not yet been fully integrated into the City’s formal cemetery operations.

The response comes after the Modise family raised concerns following the reported disturbance of Joseph’s grave, an incident they say reopened painful memories surrounding his death in police custody in January 2023.

In response to enquiries from New Era, City section head of corporate communications Lydia Amutenya said the municipality viewed the incident with concern and acknowledged the distress caused to the affected family and the broader community.

“The matter relates to a suspected criminal act and is currently under investigation by the Namibian Police, which has the mandate to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. As such, the City has limited information to provide on the matter at this stage,” Amutenya said.