Lubango dungeon survivors continue to seek answers from Swapo regarding liberation struggle detentions

August serves as a painful reminder for these survivors, recalling the killings and torture of Swapo Party members accused of being spies for the South African colonial regime. Phillip Shipulwa, 65, a survivor, recounted being accused of being a spy and enduring severe beatings and torture, including head injuries. He stated that he was accused by the highest commander, Sam Nujoma, commander-in-chief of the Swapo military wing at the time.

Leefa Martin, another survivor, questioned who authorized these detentions, who determined someone was a spy, and who was responsible for the deaths and disappearances. Oiva Angula, acting chairperson of Breaking the Wall of Silence BWS, who spent over four years in the dungeons, emphasized that the silence surrounding these alleged atrocities has gone on too long. BWS aims for the experiences of former detainees and those who died in Lubango to be part of Namibia's historical record and invited president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to an open dialogue on the Lubango legacy.

Former diplomat Pius Dunaiski urged Namibia to confront the "ghosts of Lubango" for genuine reconciliation, noting that thousands were allegedly detained, tortured, and died after being falsely accused of being spies.