1. 07BACO ICT521s 215005643
Should Namibia Introduce the Death Penalty?
Murder is one of the crimes that are mostly committed in our country, overwhelmingly increasing
day by day. The Death penalty legal experts train of thoughts as they have failed to bring about
change in society with lengthy prison sentences as punishment for murder. To make matters worse,
most criminals commit suicide after carrying out these crimes making prosecution impossible. This
nationwide phenomenon known as passion killing is a national pandemic as the death toll increases
every day.
According to the Namibian Police statistics Department, Figures show that Murder has increased as
from 2008 to 2013, cases of murder have been increasingly worrisome, with 2012/2013 financial
year in which Khomas and Kavango regions being the death heavens. The Death penalty has always
been the bone of contention as people spoke out widely against violence against women and
children. “We have fought those who colonized our country, and we will continue to fight those who
are killing our girls. From today onwards, anyone who will be found guilty of committing such evil
deeds will have to be buried alive. I have my soldiers and I will work closely with them.” Dr. Sam
Nujoma, the founding father of the Namibian nation speaking out against domestic violence.
The constitution of the Republic of Namibia, Chapter 3(Article 6) of the states that "the right to
Life shall be respected and protected." It further champions that "no Court or Tribunal
Shall have the power to impose a sentence of death on any person,"
And that "no executions shall take place in Namibia."
Dr. Elijah Ngurare, Former SPYL secretary general was quoted in the media saying, ‘“They too must
be killed and if need be, amend Chapter 3 of the Namibian constitution. Young ladies have the right
to walk and live without fear in Namibia. Those young men who are using young women for the
experiment of death… that cannot be called passion killing that is satanic killing.”
Furthermore, Article 25 (1) provides that the repeal or amendment of
The fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution
That would diminish or detract from them is impermissible if they are to abolish the fundamental
rights and freedoms contained in this chapter. Therefore, the death penalty shall forever be
impossible to enforce in an independent Namibia.
In brief, the death penalty is not the most viable solution because we are still losing productive
citizens in this country, because one cannot put out fire with fire, it is unfortunate that we have to
swallow our pride and educate ourselves. Burnett M. says; ‘’ It is the responsibility of every
Namibian to consider ways in which to make Namibian society a safer place for everyone, but the
death penalty is not the answer.’’

2. 07BACO ICT521s 215005643
REFERENCES
Heita H. (2014, February 27). Solving the Enigma of passion killers. The Windhoek Observer
Retrieved from http://observer24.com.na/national/3022-solving-the-enigma-of-passion-killers
Constitution of the Republic of Namibia
Chapter 3: Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, Articles 6 and 25 (1)
Burnett M. (2005, February 25) The Death Penalty: A violation of basic human rights and an
ineffective crime deterrent. The Namibian Newspaper.
Retrieved from: http://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=12005&page=archive-read
Namibian Police Force Crime Statistics
Retrieved
from:http://www.nampol.gov.na/documents/139923/140403/Crime_Statistic_2012_13_fin_year_3.
pdf/f62f30e9-66a8-4577-aee8-439ca0b7315f