24
Jun
Yesterday I met Hans Pieters, a relative of my host here, Talita. We started talking about my work here and he told me that one of the reasons there are as many guns as there are in Namibia is the war for independence that was fought with South Africa. Many ex-combatants continue to carry guns, and Hans told me that he himself carried a gun for years after the war was over, for purposes of self-protection. It was only when he realized that the people who were most likely to get shot with this gun were his friends and family, and not criminals, that he got rid of the gun. In this brief video he tells his story:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE9bCGl3o4Y
Posted By Johanna Wilkie
Posted Jun 24th, 2009
4 Comments
Sarah Masters
June 25, 2009
Well done Johanna. It’s great to see the first of the profiles on your page and to hear a first hand account from Hans.
Natasha
June 29, 2009
This was a fantastic interview that in an insightful manner provided realistic reasons as to why a gun should not be owned in the household. I love how this was a direct interview rather than a mere spreadsheet of facts. It really illustrated a pure logic as to why guns should not be used in homes. Good job Johanna and Hans!
Janet Wilkie
July 4, 2009
Simple yet profound truth from a thoughtful man. Beautifully captured. Violence begets violence. And we so often visit it upon the ones we love most. Hope others will follow Hans’ courageous decision.