Community members of Katima Mulilo handed a petition to the Ministry of Justice ahead of 44-year-old Steven Naruseb's court appearance. 

Naruseb, accused of killing his wife, Rachel Simasiku, was eventually denied bail by Magistrate Davy Kambinda for his own protection due to the public outcry.

Social worker Minsozi Ngenda, reading the petition, said the circumstances of Simasiku's death were extremely violent and posed a serious threat to the public.

She added that releasing the suspect on bail could undermine the seriousness of the GBV-related crime, send a harmful message to survivors, and deepen community fear and insecurity.

The petition states, "We therefore respectfully request that the court deny bail to Steven Naruseb, given the seriousness of the charge; ensure justice for Rachel Simasiku is pursued with full consideration of the ongoing national GBV crisis; and provide protection and assurances to the bereaved family and wider community."

Public prosecutor Cedrick Mundia received the petition.

Gender activist Riaan Siyama urged the community to act proactively against gender-based violence.

"Our communities are still very idle in terms of being proactive in helping people who are in need at that particular time," he said. "This is a call for us as a community to always be whistle-blowers of gender-based violence, not bystanders.