Not political: Kafu allegedly attacked by ex-wife's relatives

Controversial Swapo foot soldier Simuku 'Kafu KaNamibia' Karembera says he is recovering well at Nankudu District Hospital after he was allegedly attacked by two well-known men related to his ex-wife at a car wash in Nkurenkuru.

Despite sustaining injuries, Karembera has refused to press charges, citing family ties and concerns over being perceived as vengeful.

The two men involved in the attack are reportedly well-known figures – a local medical doctor and an employee of the Kavango West Regional Council.

Speaking to Namibian Sun on Tuesday, Karembera recounted the ordeal.

“We went to the car wash, my cousin, a friend and I. While we were standing there, I greeted the brothers, who were passing by. Moments later, things escalated unexpectedly. My cousin’s car was blocked by two vehicles, and the brothers tried to pull me out of the car. I ran to my uncle’s bar for safety, but one of them punched me and twisted my arm. It wasn’t until villagers came to my aid that the attack stopped,” he recalled.

For the children

Karembera explained that his injuries left him unable to move his arm or legs properly, leading to his hospitalisation. “The staff at the hospital have been amazing, and I’m doing better now, though my arm still feels out of place."

When asked why he did not open a case against his attackers, Karembera explained: “It would look like revenge. Since I already have a legal matter involving my ex-wife, who is related to them, pursuing charges could create problems for my kids. Instead, I prefer resolving the issue through traditional authorities to understand what caused the animosity."

“If I realise that I was wrong, I will apologise to them and make sure not to greet them the next time I see them. However, opening a case against them wouldn’t look good because of my kids. We are close family, and to me, it just doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Public comments

Karembera said he cannot completely rule out the possibility of political motivations behind his attack. Although he was a staunch supporter of the erstwhile Team Harambee slate that campaigned and won at the 2017 Swapo Congress, Karembera has lately become a fierce critic of the ruling party. Recently, a video of him tearing up a Swapo T-shirt bearing the face of party candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah went viral.

Earlier this year, he sparked a political storm by accusing Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa of mismanaging the party and purging members who opposed her candidacy during the 2022 elective congress. In a widely circulated audio, Karembera called Shaningwa a "salary collector" and claimed she was undermining Swapo’s unity ahead of this year’s elections.

Shaningwa dismissed his accusations, saying: “I participated in a competitive congress where I was overwhelmingly elected. I do not know Kafu’s motivations, as he was not a delegate at the congress. I urge him to remain calm and avoid bitterness.”

Traditional resolution

Yesterday Karembera told Namibian Sun that his Swapo membership and affinity to the party had been questioned in the past, with some individuals accusing him of being an outsider from Angola.

“People have said I’m not a genuine Swapo member and that I talk too much. This attack may also be linked to such sentiments,” he suggested.

Karembera added that he would focus on resolving the incident through traditional channels. “I just want peace for my children and family. Like I said, if I offended them, I’m willing to apologise."

Controversy is not alien to Karembera. In 2022, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife, Vistoline Nangafa Mandume. As part of his bail conditions, Karembera was barred from their matrimonial home in Nkurenkuru.

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