Leefa Martin: Butcher of Lubango’s state funeral questioned

[PODCAST]

Cabinet recently imposed a moratorium on state and official funerals from 16 June 2025 to 31 March 2026, citing a need to review the country’s criteria and processes for granting national honors. Nevertheless, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has granted a state funeral and hero status to former NDF chief Solomon “Jesus” Hawala, despite opposition from survivors of the Lubango dungeons, who labeled him the “Butcher of Lubango” for alleged torture and exile-era abuses. The decision has raised critical ethical from survivors, including Leefa Martin. She speaks to Desert FM on her thoughts.