FIVE KILLED in shack blaze

Five people from a total of eight were burnt beyond recognition while three escaped with serious to moderate wounds as a result of the flames, after a shack they slept in caught fire on Saturday morning in the Havana informal settlement.

Police confirmed that the five who died were a mother, her daughter and three sons who all lived in the shack on the outskirts of the capital. The other three are still in hospital.

It is believed that the fire broke out between 03:00 and 04:00, but the Police and bystanders could not determine how it originated.

Aside from the people, a dog was also caught in the fire and died on the spot as it failed to navigate its way out of the high burning flames.

Three shack fires at different locations were reported to emergency services from Saturday to Sunday, the Police confirmed.

Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, Head of Namibia Police Public Relations Division, said they suspect the majority of the people who perished in possibly one of the biggest shack fires this year were all females.

He said the Police will carry out a forensic investigation to determine the ages and related information of the victims, while they will also look at gathering facts on especially the cause of the fire.

City Police and Emergency Management Department, Senior Superintended Gerry Shikesho, said the emergency service responded within eight minutes but unfortunately when they arrived at the scene, the structures were down.

Shikesho said, in the case of fires, people should first call the emergency services before they call their relatives and other people.

In an unrelated matter, a security guard believed to be in his 40’s was found dead behind the Okalindi business premises in Clemens Kapuuo Street in Katutura. The security guard is believed to have been strangled according to the police.

Also, police found his pants down and unused condoms at the scene of the murder.

In general, Shikesho recommended that Security Companies should provide the guards with two-way radios and a firearm.

“We know criminals are armed if they attacked. Guards should be able communicate to their colleagues in case they are attacked,” he said.

The name of the guard could not be released as next of kin is not yet informed.