Kavango family seeks second DNA test for long-lost son
The Hausiku family from Kavango East say they remain convinced that a 20-year-old man known as Steven Shavuka, who was raised in Arandis, is their long-lost son, and are now pushing for a second DNA test to conclusively establish his identity.
The family has approached the Kavango East governor’s office as well as the Office of the Prime Minister to assist in facilitating a fresh DNA test, after earlier results reportedly showed no biological link.
Speaking to Namibian Sun in a telephone interview, Susana Hausiku (25), who believes Shavuka is her younger brother, said the family does not trust the previous DNA findings.
“We went to court to get the true DNA, but apparently this is not DNA. This is just a paper we were given,” she said. “We are confident this is our child, and we want a proper test done to confirm it.”
The boy from Kavango went missing in April 2010 at the age of five.
Shavuka, whom the family believe is the boy that went missing, has since lived in Arandis, where he was taken in by a local family after allegedly being abandoned by a man who claimed to be his father. He grew up under the name Steven Shavuka, reportedly unaware of his true origins.
The Hausiku family said they first attempted to coordinate DNA sample collection with authorities last year, including arrangements with police and officials in Rundu. Susana said that despite the family having the financial means to pay for a private test, the process stalled.
“Up to today, they never brought the boy, they never called us,” she said.
Frustrated by repeated delays, the family has now formally requested the Office of the Kavango East Governor to intervene. In their submission, they noted that the matter has been escalated to the Office of the Prime Minister, which they believe is essential for coordination and authorisation.
“We need the government to act so we can finally know the truth,” Susana said.
The family’s determination intensified after they first saw a photograph of Shavuka in 2025. They said they immediately recognised a resemblance to their missing child, particularly similarities with his twin sister who lives with the family in Kavango.
Subsequent visits to Shavuka reportedly revealed fragments of his early childhood, including memories of travelling through Otjiwarongo and staying on a farm near Okahandja. According to the family, he also recalled threatening behaviour from the man they believe abducted him.
Susana stressed that the family wants the process handled transparently and without further delay. “If the government can bring him here, then we can finally move forward. But we need them to act now,” she said.
Namibian Sun also spoke to Advocate Lindrowski Tibinyane, who represents the family that raised Shavuka in Arandis. Tibinyane said the matter has taken a significant emotional toll on the young man, prompting the family to prioritise resolving his documentation status before pursuing further legal steps.
He confirmed that he intends to engage relevant government authorities to enable another DNA test and to secure official recognition of the young man’s legal status.
“Once the boy is recognised as a Namibian, he will be able to apply to any tertiary institution,” Tibinyane said. “Only after that can the family proceed with further testing to establish biological ties.”
Authorities have previously indicated that initial DNA results ruled out a biological connection between the Hausiku family and Shavuka, although investigations into his true identity are ongoing. Police in Kavango West have maintained that they are willing to assist in collecting additional DNA samples from family members to conclusively resolve the matter.
Despite the setbacks, the Hausiku family remains resolute.
“We know him. We can remember him,” Susana said. “All the marks and memories match. We just need the authorities to allow the proper DNA test so that we can finally know the truth.”
The family has approached the Kavango East governor’s office as well as the Office of the Prime Minister to assist in facilitating a fresh DNA test, after earlier results reportedly showed no biological link.
Speaking to Namibian Sun in a telephone interview, Susana Hausiku (25), who believes Shavuka is her younger brother, said the family does not trust the previous DNA findings.
“We went to court to get the true DNA, but apparently this is not DNA. This is just a paper we were given,” she said. “We are confident this is our child, and we want a proper test done to confirm it.”
The boy from Kavango went missing in April 2010 at the age of five.
Shavuka, whom the family believe is the boy that went missing, has since lived in Arandis, where he was taken in by a local family after allegedly being abandoned by a man who claimed to be his father. He grew up under the name Steven Shavuka, reportedly unaware of his true origins.
The Hausiku family said they first attempted to coordinate DNA sample collection with authorities last year, including arrangements with police and officials in Rundu. Susana said that despite the family having the financial means to pay for a private test, the process stalled.
“Up to today, they never brought the boy, they never called us,” she said.
Frustrated by repeated delays, the family has now formally requested the Office of the Kavango East Governor to intervene. In their submission, they noted that the matter has been escalated to the Office of the Prime Minister, which they believe is essential for coordination and authorisation.
“We need the government to act so we can finally know the truth,” Susana said.
The family’s determination intensified after they first saw a photograph of Shavuka in 2025. They said they immediately recognised a resemblance to their missing child, particularly similarities with his twin sister who lives with the family in Kavango.
Subsequent visits to Shavuka reportedly revealed fragments of his early childhood, including memories of travelling through Otjiwarongo and staying on a farm near Okahandja. According to the family, he also recalled threatening behaviour from the man they believe abducted him.
Susana stressed that the family wants the process handled transparently and without further delay. “If the government can bring him here, then we can finally move forward. But we need them to act now,” she said.
Namibian Sun also spoke to Advocate Lindrowski Tibinyane, who represents the family that raised Shavuka in Arandis. Tibinyane said the matter has taken a significant emotional toll on the young man, prompting the family to prioritise resolving his documentation status before pursuing further legal steps.
He confirmed that he intends to engage relevant government authorities to enable another DNA test and to secure official recognition of the young man’s legal status.
“Once the boy is recognised as a Namibian, he will be able to apply to any tertiary institution,” Tibinyane said. “Only after that can the family proceed with further testing to establish biological ties.”
Authorities have previously indicated that initial DNA results ruled out a biological connection between the Hausiku family and Shavuka, although investigations into his true identity are ongoing. Police in Kavango West have maintained that they are willing to assist in collecting additional DNA samples from family members to conclusively resolve the matter.
Despite the setbacks, the Hausiku family remains resolute.
“We know him. We can remember him,” Susana said. “All the marks and memories match. We just need the authorities to allow the proper DNA test so that we can finally know the truth.”
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