Namibian authorities have issued a stern warning to the public against hosting parties in cemeteries following an incident at Gammams cemetery in the capital, Windhoek, that sparked widespread outrage.
According to officials from the City of Windhoek, the gathering at the gravesite included full seating arrangements, cooler boxes, and visible alcohol consumption.
Photos and videos circulated online showed people openly drinking and socializing, prompting criticism from residents who described the scene as deeply disrespectful. One local resident who witnessed the gathering condemned the incident as “nothing short of disgraceful.”
She shared her experience on Facebook, explaining that mourners entering the cemetery were shocked to find “car boots open, people drinking, and the cemetery resembling a shebeen rather than a place of rest. ”City officials echoed these concerns, stressing that cemeteries are sacred spaces meant for reflection and mourning, not for entertainment.
They warned that individuals who continue to misuse the area risk facing penalties and stricter enforcement measures. Community leaders have also called for greater respect toward the deceased and their families, highlighting that cemeteries hold cultural and spiritual significance.
The public has been urged to maintain decorum when visiting these sites to preserve their dignity and purpose. This incident has reignited a wider debate about public behavior in sacred spaces across Namibia. While gatherings after funerals are common, authorities emphasized that they should be held in appropriate venues and not at burial grounds.
The City of Windhoek concluded its statement by appealing to residents to show sensitivity toward grieving families and uphold the cultural values that protect cemeteries as places of rest and remembrance.
Namibia Warns Against Parties in Cemeteries After Windhoek Gravesite Incident
