The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, has assured the public that the Namibian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the right to practice one's faith without fear, persecution or discrimination, subject to the condition that they operate within the legal framework.

This was her response to Body of Christ MP Festus Thomas, who alleged that 90 revival churches had been demolished by the police in the northern parts of the country.

Thomas alleges that preachers are being humiliated by false charges being laid against them and their properties being confiscated or destroyed, with charges later being dropped.

The minister requested that Thomas provide evidence-based allegations to ease their fact-finding efforts and to provide a concrete response.

She, however, stated that there have been cases where police will close down churches due to unlawful practices.

"There have been instances where authorities closed down on churches deemed "fake" due to allegations of promoting unrest, inciting violence, or engaging in unsafe practices or activities that go against the moral fabric of our communities. It is not just allegations but issues that we ourselves are witnessing on a daily basis, within our communities, whereby some church leaders or pastors have been arrested for issues or the abusing of members of their congregations."