Johannesburg – Nine Cape Town Muslims have been deported from Namibia for allegedly engaging in “religious work” despite entering the country on visitors permits.
According to The Namibian newspaper, the nine were accused of breaching the conditions of their stay after immigration officials arrested them while they were performing their daily prayers at a Keetmanshoop mosque.
Namibian Islamic Judicial Council (NIJC) head Sheikh Desmond Dawid Tjipanga told the newspaper that he believed the group had been placed under surveillance upon entering Namibia.
“They (immigration officials) demanded permits which allowed the group to undertake religious activities. The group could not provide what was demanded and they were arrested and subsequently deported,” Tjipanga said.
Tjipanga told the newspaper that he believed the arrest of the men was a “clear act of discrimination against Muslims because their faith is anchored on daily prayers, even while on holiday”.
IOL