Suspected illegal fuel transport ends in deadly fire crash
A man was burnt to death while another sustained serious injuries after a vehicle transporting suspected illegal fuel crashed and caught fire at Okapanda village along the Oshigambo–Onethindi road in the Oniipa constituency.
The incident occurred at around midnight on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
According to the Namibian Police, the driver of a white Toyota VVTi pick-up was travelling from Oshigambo towards Onethindi when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road, struck several trees and burst into flames.
Police further allege that the vehicle was transporting containers of illegal fuel at the time of the crash.
Two occupants were in the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Lebeus Hafeni, an adult Namibian male from the Uupopo location in Ondangwa, was burnt beyond recognition and died at the scene.
The driver, Aron Sackeus (40), also from Uupopo location in Ondangwa, sustained serious burn injuries and was rushed to Onandjokwe State Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.
Hafeni’s body was transported to the Onandjokwe State Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Police said the next of kin have been informed.
A culpable homicide case has been opened at the Onethindi Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.
The incident occurred at around midnight on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
According to the Namibian Police, the driver of a white Toyota VVTi pick-up was travelling from Oshigambo towards Onethindi when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road, struck several trees and burst into flames.
Police further allege that the vehicle was transporting containers of illegal fuel at the time of the crash.
Two occupants were in the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Lebeus Hafeni, an adult Namibian male from the Uupopo location in Ondangwa, was burnt beyond recognition and died at the scene.
The driver, Aron Sackeus (40), also from Uupopo location in Ondangwa, sustained serious burn injuries and was rushed to Onandjokwe State Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.
Hafeni’s body was transported to the Onandjokwe State Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Police said the next of kin have been informed.
A culpable homicide case has been opened at the Onethindi Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.
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