Namibian authorities have issued a stern warning to residents against holding social gatherings at cemeteries after a controversial event in the capital, Windhoek, drew public outrage.
The incident occurred last weekend at Gammams cemetery, where mourners and residents reported shocking scenes. According to the City of Windhoek, the gathering featured chairs, cooler boxes, and visible alcohol consumption, transforming the burial ground into what one resident described as resembling a “shebeen rather than a place of rest.”
The outcry began after a Windhoek resident posted on Facebook, detailing how mourners arriving at the cemetery were met with loud drinking sessions, car boots open, and people partying along the path to the gravesites. She called the situation “nothing short of disgraceful,” adding that the cemetery was left littered with bottles and cans.
In response, the City of Windhoek condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and disrespectful to the deceased and their grieving families. The city emphasized that cemeteries are sacred spaces intended solely for burials and remembrance, not social gatherings.
“Cemeteries are sacred spaces reserved only for burials and remembrance of the deceased. Social gatherings, alcohol consumption, and littering within cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited,” the statement read.
Officials also reminded residents that leaving waste behind at cemeteries is a criminal offense. Going forward, strict monitoring and enforcement will be carried out to preserve the dignity of burial sites.
This is not the first time Gammams cemetery has drawn controversy. In 2021, a man was arrested after firing shots during a funeral, and cars were reportedly spun in the parking area during the same event, according to local reports.
The latest incident has reignited debate over how to ensure cemeteries remain spaces of respect and mourning, free from disruptive or disrespectful activities.
