For Immediate Release
MR. GAY NAMIBIA Assaulted
Mr. Gay World delegate elect from Namibia brutally assaulted near his home in Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia
Sydney, Australia - December 8th, 2011 Wendelinus Hamutenya, Mr Gay Namibia title holder, on Sunday evening , 04 December 2011, was physically assaulted near his residence in Katutura, Windhoek, in what can be described as a brutal "mugging" with monetary gain as incentive.
Hamutenya arrived home around 22:00 from visiting with friends. He was dropped off at the corner of his street of residence and made the short walk up the road to his home, when noticing two men sitting at the further end of the road, visible by street light. As he neared his house, the men approached him and requested "the money (he) won at the Mr Gay competition". After a short confrontation one of the perpetrators kicked Hamutenya to the ground, while the other aimed for his mobile phone and wallet. Several blows were exchanged between Hamutenya and his attackers. In the end blows from a cold drink bottle from one of the two men to Hamuntenya's head, face, chin and ribs saw him hospitalized for observation at a Windhoek private clinic for 24 hours.
The culprits made off with approximately N$200 in cash.
Contrary to some media publications, Wendelinus reiterates that this incident and his position as title holder to Mr Gay Namibia should not be confused and used to fuel unnecessary agendas.
"Violence in various forms occurs to persons from different walks of life in our country. The relevance of this incident may have connotation to my title, perhaps they thought I had heaps of "prize money" in my pockets. Likely it was my sexual orientation that made me a target - even my political support that angered them. Or perhaps, and most likely, it was just plain and simply out of greed," states Hamuntenya.
What remains relevant is that any person, no matter race, gender, orientation and/or ethnicity has the right to safety and should not feel threatened when walking down his/her own street of residence any time of the day.
The Mr Gay Namibia Board condemns this violent act of assault, but also reaffirms that "we are in sensitive times and we should focus on the facts. Propaganda, misinterpretation and wrong reporting on matters will not suffice - factual and mature deliberation on matters is what is needed to embrace the future."
While a case of assault has been opened with Namibian Police on this incident, Wendelinus remains focused on his participation at the Mr Gay World event in South Africa next year, confirming that his vision and dream for a sensitized and more accepting Namibia towards human rights in terms of sexual orientation remains his core focus.
Hamutenya was crowned the first-ever Mr. Gay Namibia at the end of November at a ceremony in Windhoek, making the country only the second African nation, other than South Africa, to hold a 'Mr. Gay' competition. The regional director for Africa, Coenie Kukkuk said, "the incident could hamper efforts by Mr. Gay World to secure more African delegates for the Johannesburg event in April. Currently, only competitors from South Africa and Namibia have been confirmed."
Questions and/or information relating to the above brief can be directed in writing to the Public Relations Office of the Mr Gay Namibia Board at info@mrgaynamibia.com
The mission of Mr. Gay World (MGW) is to advance national and international gay rights through education and public performance. MGW creates authentic leaders who will take responsibility, not only in his own community but on a global stage, speaking out for equal rights by inspiring those around him. MGW is a genuine and positive role model that will champion equality and diversity in the media both gay and mainstream.
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