Mike Hampton in the South African High Commission in Namibia

I hate people who cry wolf but my situation demands that I be a good visitor in a foreign country.

7-8 members of the Namibian Government and police (NAMPOL) met me for 2hrs early evening yesterday. That included the Commissioner for Refugees. They were firm but polite.

They were happy that my visa was in order and welcomed me to continue my stay but, as I’m not seeking to be a refugee, they won’t help. Via phone, someone higher up also said that South Africa was their friend and that he trusts their processes to deal with me.

The caveat was that I mustn’t embarrass Namibia, the implication I’d be deported. Consequently, I cannot continue a hunger strike.

The second insistence was that the South African High Commission in Windhoek deal with my matter. Both the Commissioner and the police gave me calls this morning to check that I was going there.

SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION

After 41hrs awake, I caught 7hrs sleep and went to the High Commission, the name Commonwealth countries give their embassies. It was an 80-minute meeting during which I requested my safety, communication to the Presidency of South Africa, and investigation of my claims that I’m being persecuted for the political corruption I’ve exposed.

I can’t predict a positive outcome but the meeting was friendly and professional. Although they’re closed on weekends, Lorna Daniels, Political Counsellor, said that they will meet me tomorrow, on Saturday. As I don’t even have taxi fare, they will visit me where I’m staying.

Although I never got what I wanted, I must thank the Namibian Government for meeting with, and checking up on me.

I’m currently eating a toasted sandwich on credit. Cheese and tomato has never been this delicious. My family will cough up my weekend accommodation costs.

My laptop refuses to connect to the wi-fi where I am. Thanks to the kind stranger who loaned me her computer so that I could post this.

NB: The option of a hunger strike remains. If I go silent, something bad has happened to me. Note that then, unannounced, the hunger strike is on, my final protest option.

Read: Namibia update #3: My letter to SA High Commissioner Archie Whitehead