Namibian authorities are urging the public to refrain from hosting parties at cemeteries. This directive comes after a recent social gathering at the Gammams cemetery in Windhoek drew considerable criticism for its disrespectful nature.
City officials reported that the event featured seating arrangements, cooler boxes, and alcohol, transforming the cemetery into an inappropriate venue. Witnesses described the scene as “nothing short of disgraceful,” noting that the cemetery appeared more like a “shebeen” than a place of rest, with litter strewn throughout the grounds.
The City of Windhoek has declared such activities “unacceptable,” emphasizing that they disrespect the deceased and disturb grieving families. Officials have stated that leaving waste in cemeteries is a criminal offense and promised stricter monitoring and enforcement to protect these solemn sites.
Cemeteries are designated as sacred spaces for burials and remembrance, and unauthorized social gatherings, alcohol consumption, and littering are strictly prohibited.
This incident is not the first controversy surrounding the Gammams cemetery. In 2021, an arrest was made following a video that showed shots being fired during a funeral, accompanied by reckless car stunts in the parking area.