Okahandja teen murder: A mother’s worst nightmare

The death of Okahandja learner Ciara Friedrich last month has left her family struggling to pick up the pieces.The 16-year-old, who was pregnant at the time, was stabbed to death on 9 September.Ciara&#039;s mother Petra Friedrich spoke to Namibia Media Holdings and narrated that fateful day’s events.A grade seven learner at Eden Primary School, Ciara did not receive swift medical attention after she was stabbed because no ambulance was available at the public hospital in the town, her mother said. To make matters worse, when the family called the police for assistance, they were told they cannot help because they didn&#039;t have a first aid kit.A neighbour eventually came to the family’s rescue and transported them to the hospital.Ciara later succumbed to her injuries.Bail deniedIn a display of unity and solidarity, Okahandja residents held a peaceful demonstration on Monday as the man accused of murdering Ciara, Epson ‘Eppies’ Otto (27), was denied bail in the Okahandja Magristrate’s Court. His next appearance is scheduled for 23 November.The gathered residents also highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures within the community. They shared stories of feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods and called upon local authorities to double their efforts to ensure the safety of all citizensIn this vein, community members handed over a petition to Okahandja police yesterday.At Monday’s demonstration, community activist Seth Gariseb said they “need to make sure this tragedy is never forgotten and that this young girl&#039;s legacy inspires our neighbourhood to change for the better”."Today, we stand together as a community, as neighbours and as people who are concerned about the future of our town.”&#039;Beast&#039;Meanwhile, Petra has been left with more questions than answers regarding her daughter’s death."He is a beast to murder a pregnant girl,” she said, referring to Otto.“I only want to know what my daughter did to him that he felt compelled to murder her,” Petra said.The deceased teen&#039;s teacher Fransina Jason remembered her fondly, saying: "Ciara was a cheerful child. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, and she would to lead the crowd when we had school activities. She was the school&#039;s dancing champion".

Okahandja teen murder: A mother’s worst nightmare

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-08

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Okahandja teen murder: A mother’s worst nightmare

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-08

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