Stolen wedding dreams restored by a nation's generosity

"Jealousy," "an inside job," "cold feet" – these were some of the reactions to a report about an Ohangwena couple whose wedding gowns, rings and more were stolen from their shack in Eenhana just weeks before their planned betrothal.

Others suggested that the wedding should be called off – but for Andreheid Albin and Sakaria Ferdinand, there was no question of cancelling their long-planned nuptials. Ferdinand explained that, according to Aawambo tradition, a wedding cannot be cancelled or postponed, no matter the circumstances. “Even if you have lost a parent in our culture, the wedding must go on. What are stolen items? We were still going to get married.”

The robbery occurred on the night of 13 to 14 August. The thieves stole wedding items valued at almost N$17 000, including the rings, dresses and food meant for the two wedding receptions, according to the police.

Namibian Sun's Facebook comments were filled with cynics who doubted the sincerity of the couple's claim – nevertheless, good Samaritans from across the country rallied to ensure the pair made it to the altar.



Generous response

Donations poured in, and by last Wednesday, the couple had received two wedding dresses, three suits for the groom, a flower girl’s dress and basket, a bridal bouquet, a suitcase for the bride filled with necessities, free catering, money totalling N$16 000 and counting, food for their guests, as well as tents and chairs.

The couple also received an offer from a photographer to capture their magical day, a cake, a suit for the flower boy, dresses for the elders, and fuel money for a car to transport the bride and groom to the church. An ox was also handed over.

In addition, the couple had a theme-decorated reception awaiting them. They are getting married after being together for seven years. They were legally married at the magistrate's court last year. Ferdinand works as a security officer in Eenhana, while Albin is currently unemployed.

The church service was scheduled to take place at Omupanda Gospel Church, Ongungila village in the Okaku constituency, on Friday and all roads would then lead to Ondobe for more wedding festivities.

On Wednesday, Ferdinand expressed the couple's gratitude to Namibians for the love and generous donations.

“We truly have no words. This came as a surprise to us. From the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful to everyone who came to our aid and the love they have demonstrated to people they do not know. To God be the glory,” said an ecstatic Ferdinand during the handover of the items by the Ohangwena police regional commander Commissioner Otillie Kashuupulwa and Eenhana mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje.



'No words'

Kashuupulwa said the report of the theft of the couple's wedding gear was particularly heartbreaking, and she ordered her team of police to “leave no stone unturned” until the items were recovered.

She said despite their efforts and extended web search, they could not recover the stolen items.

“Our love as Namibians I am so grateful for it. We have unity and its impressive. Let us hold hands and continue to have love amongst each other as a nation. What we did for these two so they a continue with their plans is truly commendable,” Kashuupulwa said.

Kavandje, whose office donated N$3 000 through the mayoral fund, which was established to support the less privileged in the town, applauded Namibians for what he termed the spirit of "Ubuntu.”

“If you look at what the nation did for them in a very short space of time, and they did it for people they don’t know or have never met before. If we can have this kind of attitude as One Namibia, One Nation, we will go far,” he said.