Eight drownings over weekend

The good rains experienced over the past few days have also resulted in the loss of several lives in drownings and road accidents. Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said eight people died last weekend as a result of drowning, especially in the northern parts of the country in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions, where flooding is prevalent. “The incidents involved both young and old, the oldest being 79 years old and the youngest being two years old. Therefore, we would like to once again remind the community to take proper precautions when they approach water or flooded areas.”The public is encouraged to avoid crossing rivers and water ponds either by foot or car without having assessed the level of the water, Shikwambi said. “They must not underestimate the level of the water, as water kills. They are encouraged to use alternative routes instead of taking chances and ultimately dying. We also encourage parents to deter children from swimming and playing in flooded areas or trying to cross while unsupervised.”On Sunday at Okanwa village in the Omusati Region the body of the two-year-old Apniel Gustav was discovered in a well. No foul play is suspected. In a separate incident on Sunday at Okatope in the Omuntele area, the body of 34-year-old Wilbard Shaanika was found in an earth dam.It is alleged the deceased left home in the morning and did not return. A search was conducted, after which his body was found. In another incident on Sunday at Oshikango village, the body of 37-year-old Natangwe Nghishitongo was found in a water pond nearby his house. No foul play is suspected. At the Omangolowani village in the Omusati Region, the body of an Angolan female, Moshivasha Shambanga, was discovered floating in a water canal on Sunday. Shambanga was last seen on 29 February at Okatamba location in Angola at around 18:00. It is suspected that the incident happened in Angola and the body was washed away due to the heavy water pressure. In another incident on Saturday at Onekwaya West village in Ongha, the body of 79-year-old Sakeus Sem Kashimbode was found in an earth dam full of water. The deceased was allegedly last seen the night of 28 February. A search was embarked on until his body was found in the water. Meanwhile at the Omatwadiva village in the Omusati Region, the body of the 39-year-old Magadalena Daniel was found floating in water at her house. Her body was found in a room made out of corrugated iron. On Friday at Oyongo village in Edundja, the body of six-year-old Julia Ndapewa Junias was discovered in a water pond near her family home. She was reported missing after she failed to return home after school. Her shoes were found on the bank of the pond. No foul play is suspected. In a separate incident at Okongo in Onhuli village on Sunday, 13-year-old Rauna Shiwoudula Gabriel drowned in a bucket of water. According to the police, it is alleged that the deceased, who is physically disabled, was left alone in the house by her mother when she went to look for cattle in a field. Upon her return, she found that her daughter had drowned in the bucket. With regard to road crashes over the weekend, it is alleged that 39-year-old Josef Petrus died in Henties Bay on Saturday after the vehicle he was driving veered off the road and collided with a boundary wall of a house. Petrus, who was alone in the vehicle, was thrown out and died on the spot. On Friday along the Outjo-Otjiwarongo main road, the driver of a Mazda sedan apparently lost control over the vehicle and three people were killed. The vehicle left the road and overturned, killing two people on the spot, while another person died later in hospital. The deceased are Weldrud Hoses (20), Tsibeb Christian (47) and Bernadette Sannies (47). Two other people were injured and admitted to hospital.“These incidents are as a result of plenty of water and wet and/or slippery roads. Hence, I would like to reiterate our caution on road safety and safety during the crossing of flooded areas,” Shikwambi said.She said the usual speed limits of 60km/h within towns and cities and 120km/h on highways do not apply when road conditions have changed. “Motorists are therefore urged to drive slower, increase their following distance, keep their headlights on and be extra cautious to avoid road accidents.” ELLANIE SMIT

Eight drownings over weekend

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Eight drownings over weekend

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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