Namibian authorities warn against holding parties at cemeteries after disgraceful Windhoek event

Namibia's authorities are warning residents not to hold parties at cemeteries following a social gathering at Windhoek's Gammams cemetery that drew outrage last weekend.

Witnesses said seating arrangements, cooler boxes and alcohol were on display as mourners arrived, with one observer calling the scene nothing short of disgraceful. In a Facebook post cited by residents, the graveyard was described as from the entrance all the way inside, car boots were open, people were drinking, and the cemetery resembled a shebeen rather than a place of rest. The same observer noted bottles and cans left behind, and a bereaved space overwhelmed by noise and activity.

The City of Windhoek issued a statement condemning the behavior as unacceptable, saying it disrespects the dignity of the deceased and disturbs other grieving families. Officials stressed that cemeteries are sacred spaces reserved for burials and remembrance, and that social gatherings, alcohol consumption and littering within cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited. The city said it would undertake strict monitoring and enforcement to preserve burial sites and ensure compliance with the rules.

The incident at Gammams is not the first time the site has attracted scrutiny. In 2021, a man was arrested after a video circulated showing him firing shots during a funeral held there; the same funeral reportedly featured cars being spun in a nearby parking area, according to local reporting at the time.

City officials and residents alike emphasize that cemeteries are spaces for mourning and memory, not social events. Authorities say violators could face criminal penalties or other enforcement measures as part of a broader effort to protect burial grounds and the dignity of those who visit them. The warning comes amid broader discussions in Namibia about the conduct of public spaces and the need to respect culturally significant sites.