Namibians are protesting the death of a 22-year-old woman who was declared missing in April.
The remains of Shannon Wasserfall, a mom of one, was discovered in a shallow grave in Walvis Bay, south-west of the South African country, following an anonymous tipoff via sms.
The sms had directed police in the country to the exact location of the possible missing person was sent to the police on Tuesday afternoon.
The police followed the tip and made the gruesome discovery of human remains buried in a shallow grave in the sand dunes. They also discovered clothes that the missing Wasserfall was wearing on the day she went missing in Kuisebmond.
Wasserfall was has been missing since 10 April.
Following the discovery demonstrators have poured on the street of Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, to protest against violence towards women.
Wasserfall had dropped off her son at a friend’s house before heading out to meet someone.
Activists have linked her disappearance and death to gender-based violence and have called for investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
Two days before police received the tip, Wasserfall’s mom, Poppie, had pleaded with whoever may have taken her daughter to bring her back safely.
She made the plea at an emotional prayer service held in Shannon’s honour at the town on Saturday, begging members of the public to assist her in finding her daughter.
“If I had done something to anybody, please forgive me. Take me instead and give my baby back. I am willing to give my life. I beg you to give my daughter back. Darlikie [Shannon], if you are alive, come home.
“Mommy needs you. Your son is asking where you are. He needs you. Give us a sign. I am putting everything into the hand of the Lord. I will accept her in any way that I get her back. I need peace. I keep wondering if she is warm, if she ate,” the single mother said in tears.
The event, attended by 50 people only as per Covid-19 regulations, was streamed live on social media platforms for Namibians to join in.
