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Namibia: Concern Over Pregnant Women in Night Clubs
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New Era (Windhoek)
7 August 2008
Posted to the web 7 August 2008
Charles Tjatindi
Walvis Bay
The presence of pregnant women and minors in night clubs was discussed recently at a Police Public Relations Committee (PPRC) meeting here, as deliberations on whether to ban such persons from shebeens and nightclubs took centre stage.
While the law is clear on the presence of children under the age of 18 at such establishments, it does not restrict the latter.
The PPRC is a community body that links members of the community and the police. The PPRC meeting, which was convened by the Walvis Bay PPRC to elect a new leadership, noted with concern the rising number of heavily pregnant women in night clubs.
Although the PPRC meeting resolved in principle that restricting expecting mothers from shebeens and nightclubs would be tantamount to infringement on basic human rights, it nonetheless resolved to engage the public on the issue.
Participants felt that as such places are usually synonymous with the excessive intake of alcohol which often leads to fighting and other disorderly conduct, heavily pregnant mothers or their unborn babies could be harmed.
Another point raised in defense of the proposal was the high level of smoking at these places, which could also negatively affect the health of both mother and unborn child.
In the absence of a legal framework to tackle the issue, the meeting resolved to engage shebeens and nightclub owners to take it upon themselves as part of their social responsibility to educate their customers on the dangers thereof.
New Era learnt that some nightclub owners are "using" young girls as bait to lure customers, especially foreign nationals to their establishments. Young girls would apparently frequent such establishments to provide company to mostly visiting sailors, in exchange for free drinks and access to the club. It could, however, not be confirmed as to whether the girls are also required to sleep with these people.
The PPRC meeting called on Government to impose stricter punishment for drug smugglers, and everyone found guilty of dealing in drugs. The meeting noted that many drug dealers were often set free on bail after paying a nominal amount, and would continue their business once back on the streets.
The PPRC questioned why a person found guilty of dealing in drugs involving large amounts of money is often asked to pay small amounts in bail, calling for a revision of the practice.
The meeting elected Charles Neidel of the Narraville neighbourhood watch as its new chairperson. He is deputised by John Savva, a prominent businessman and chairman of the Walvis Bay branch of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI).
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Participants at the meeting included a delegation from the Erongo Police, officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, traffic officials and representatives of the Namibian Bus and Taxi Association.
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