The number and identity of detainees in Namibia at any one time is difficult to ascertain for several reasons. SWAPO's office in Windhoek, which in the past has been able to supply details, has been forced to close for long periods. SWAPO workers at the office have been subjected to constant harrassment and arrest, and documents have been removed by security police. Under Proclamation AG9, people can be detained without trial for up to 30 days. Their arrest often only becomes known after they have been released from detention. Arrests and detentions are rarely reported in the Namibian press.
Previous FOCUS reports of detentions in Namibia have been compiled from information from a variety of sources including the churches, SWAPO sources inside the country and abroad, and press reports. Such information has been cross-checked where possible to ensure maximum accuracy.
The following list gives names and any other details which were available in mid-October 1980 for persons believed to be still in detention, some of whom have not been recorded in previous issues of FOCUS, and for persons who have been released. In some cases their arrest had not been known to FOCUS.
1. The following are, as far as is known or can be deduced, in detention at the time of writing (including persons previously recorded in FOCUS)
[Table of detainees omitted]
2. The following individuals are reported to have been released from detention. Some have been recorded in previous issues of FOCUS as having been arrested. In other cases, their arrest was not known to FOCUS.
[Table of released individuals omitted]
Rev. Matti ENDJALA, Rev. Malakia ALUGONGO, Eneas AMUTENYA, Ruben KASHEA, Petrus NEHUNGA, Simon MILUNGA, Esther NGHIWEWELEKWA, Malakia AUKONGO, Abisai IHUHUA, Elia HAIPINGE, Rev. Kristian SHIPUNDA, Rev. Natanael SHINANA, Hilja NAMPALA, Rauha Hitula SHIMHANDA, Frieda PAULUS, Dr. Naftali HMATA, Axel JOHANNES.
