A case before the Windhoek Supreme Court has cast a revealing light on the activities of the "security branch" of the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA). Ersor Kavari (19), described as a security guard in the employ of the DTA, was charged in June with the murder of a white man in the bar of Windhoek's Continental Hotel in December 1978. The deceased was shot by accident in the course of a dispute between Kavari and others in which the deceased was in no way involved.
Kavari, a Herero-speaker, told the court that he had come to Windhoek following the death of Chief Kapuuo in March 1978. "I do not know how old I am. I was born in Kaokoveld and can neither read nor write. I have not attended school. The only work I did before coming to Windhoek last year was to walk behind the cattle. I cannot speak Afrikaans". Kavari added that he did not know how he had come to be a member of the DTA's security branch. He had been appointed as a door guard and had received only a few days training after being issued with a shotgun by a white man. He had been taught how to cock the gun and to load it, but had never been taken to a shooting range or fired at a target. Kavari was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment (3 suspended).
Before passing sentence, the court heard evidence from Max Kessler, the DTA's Chief Security Officer. Mr. Kessler, who was trained for his job by a number of West German "experts", appears to enjoy a special relationship with the South African Police and Defence Force in Namibia. In April 1979 the Windhoek Observer reported that "one of SWA's most prominent black political leaders", unconnected with the DTA, had been told by an officer at the Katatura Police Station that in order to qualify for a firearm licence, his application should be accompanied by a certificate signed by the DTA Chief Security Officer. The officer subsequently told the Observer that this arrangement stemmed from an agreement between the DTA and the former Divisional Commissioner of Police, General H. V. Verster. All applicants for firearms licences must undergo a course in weapons handling and, the office said, Mr. Kessler gave such lessons.
The Observer at this time published a photograph of Mr. Kessler carrying a 9mm machine pistol. This particular type of firearm is the property of the SADF. It is known that since at least early 1978 members and supporters of the DTA and the late Chief Kapuuo were being issued with firearms by the SA authorities — weapons which subsequently figured prominently in clashes with SWAPO supporters in Katatura and elsewhere. It is clear from other recent murder cases before the courts that many of the men armed in this way operate with little or no supervision or training, but with lethal consequences. According to the Windhoek Observer, "there is no denial today that the private arsenals of the private armies far exceed the fire power in the hands of the police".
