Family blames drugs for Okahandja killing

The alleged theft of three mandrax tablets and 10 bags of dagga, worth about N$100 in total, allegedly ended with the death of a 26-year-old man in Okahandja after he was struck with a spear during a fight at Ekunde informal settlement.

Police initially reported that the incident followed an alleged robbery involving a cellphone or tablet. However, the family of Riwaldo Hoabeb told Namibian Sun last week that his death was linked to a drug deal gone wrong.

Four suspects, including a 16-year-old minor, were subsequently arrested and appeared in the Okahandja Magistrate’s Court. The accused are Obed Zepetu Paulse, Elvin Khoetage Paulse and Rivalino Shiona Namab. The fourth accused is a minor.

According to sources who asked not to be identified, Hoabeb had allegedly gone to buy drugs from the minor. He is alleged to have handed over N$10 for a bag of dagga.

The sources claimed that when the minor produced the drugs, Hoabeb allegedly grabbed three mandrax tablets and 10 bags of dagga before fleeing.

The minor allegedly then fetched other people, who later confronted Hoabeb at his home.

Sources familiar with the incident said Hoabeb was cooking and eating when the confrontation began.

The group allegedly tried to force him out of the house. One source recalled Hoabeb saying: “I will not come out. You guys can kill me, I won’t come out.”

The confrontation later spilled outside, the sources claimed, where Hoabeb was allegedly attacked by a group of men armed with stones and weapons, including a panga, pick handle and spear.

A source said Hoabeb was accompanied by a friend, who was also injured during the altercation. Hoabeb allegedly tried to run towards a tree, possibly to escape the attackers, but was struck with a spear.

He collapsed after the weapon was removed, the source told Namibian Sun.

Sources also alleged that some of those involved washed their hands and faces after the attack.

They claimed as many as six people may have been involved, although four suspects were arrested shortly afterwards.

Grieving family demands justice

Hoabeb’s mother said she was heartbroken by the way her son was killed.

“They murdered him like a dog,” she said.

She described her son as helpful at home and said she did not know him to be someone who robbed people of cellphones.

His grandmother said drugs had brought pain and destruction to many families in Okahandja and called for stronger action to address the problem.

She also recalled what she said were her grandson’s final words to her.

“Grandmother, if I die one day, please don’t cry,” he reportedly told her on Monday. Hoabeb was killed the following day.

His relatives said Hoabeb could become angry when he was hungry and often joked with the family about food, asking them not to come and eat “seven colours” at his funeral because, as he would say: “Here I am very hungry.”

The family is now calling for justice.

Court proceedings

After the four accused first appeared in court, the matter was postponed to 25 November for further investigation, legal aid arrangements and legal representation screening.

The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offence and saying investigations were still pending. The State told the court there were concerns that the accused could interfere with the investigation if released.

It argued that their release would not be in the public interest or the interests of the administration of justice.

Contacted for comment, Namibian Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said the information initially shared was based on preliminary allegations. “What was shared is preliminary, what was alleged to have happened. What you are asking will be determined as investigations continue, which involve witness statements,” she said.