Governor in second culpable homicide case

KENYA KAMBOWE

The Oshikoto police have charged Ohangwena regional governor Usko Nghaamwa (73) with culpable homicide for the second time.

He allegedly ran over a pedestrian at Onankali on the Ondangwa-Omuthiya main road at 01:00 yesterday morning.

The deceased, identified as Petrus Iyambo (20) was crossing the road on his way home after a night out. He was hit by a Toyota double-cab bakkie driven by Nghaamwa and died instantly.

According to the police report, Nghaamwa was travelling from Otjiwarongo on an official trip and was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

It is the second time Nghaamwa has been charged with culpable homicide. In March 2015 he was involved in a similar incident in which 31-year-old Benceau Vanyenga, a cattle herder, died after being hit by the governor’s Land Cruiser.

The incident took place about two kilometres from the Tsintsabis Veterinary Gate. Nghaamwa sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Windhoek hospital.

According Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua of the Oshikoto police, that case was closed after the prosecutor-general’s office decline to prosecute.

Katjiua said it was difficult to prosecute someone in cases where there were no witnesses.