Public warned of potential Twaloloka scams

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



The police have warned the public about possible scams involving the Twaloloka informal settlement in Walvis Bay that was shattered by a massive blaze on Sunday night.

A toddler died in the fire.

Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said several Good Samaritans, sympathisers and organisations have urged the public to make donations through various individuals and banking platforms.

“Considering that every situation is regarded as an opportunity by criminals, the Namibian Police Force would like to warn the public to be alert, as initiatives like these are proven to have room for potential scams. Habitual criminals are and may be using this situation to rob goodhearted and sympathetic Namibians of their hard-earned money and property in the name of the Twaloloka victims,” Shikwambi said in a statement.

The police encouraged the public to make sure that whatever items or money they intend to donate is done through known, verified and credible sources.

Shikwambi said people can alternatively contact the national disaster risk management in the Office of the Prime Minister on 0811 247 338.



Homes destroyed

A fire started on Sunday at about 18:00 in the Twaloloka settlement, and subsequently spread to other shacks, destroying between 150 to 200 homes.

The body of a three-year-old boy, Nghukongwanongo Felep Mhandla, was discovered in the debris.

According to the police, the fire allegedly started in the shack where he lived with his parents. His 39-year-old unemployed mother told the police she left him in the shack, where she was preparing food on a gas stove, with a seven-year-old child while she went to the shop.

She also left a candle alight, according to preliminary information.



Bed caught fire

On her return, and while she and others were standing outside, the seven-year-old child alerted her that the bed was burning. It is suspected that the candle fell on the bed and caused the fire.

The mother ran inside and tried to save the boy by pulling the bed out, but he was already burnt and fell under the bed.

Efforts were made to remove boards adjacent to other shacks, but were unsuccessful and the fire spread. The mother was not injured. Meanwhile, the police said community members started blaming firefighters for taking too long to respond, while others felt that they were supposed to start extinguishing the fire from another side. This resulted in community members physically attacking officials and damaging police and municipal vehicles.

The door and windows of a private house in Spitzkoppe Street near Twaloloka were also damaged after a security officer sought protection there after being chased by the angry mob of community members.

He was rescued by the police, who fired warning shots.

“Subsequent to a security-threatening situation, reinforcements, including Namibia Defence Force members, were dispatched to the scene to remedy the situation. As a result, teargas and rubber bullets were used to disperse the angry mob.”

The police said ultimately the situation was controlled. Firefighters only managed to extinguish the fire at around 01:00 on Monday.