Staff Reporter
A SERIES of fatal road accidents claimed several lives across Namibia during the festive season, with the most serious incident occurring near Okamatapati, where one person died and five others were seriously injured after a vehicle overturned. The Namibian Police Force has launched investigations into all the incidents, many of which involved loss of control, reckless driving or pedestrians being struck by vehicles.
The most severe accident was reported on Saturday, at about 18:50 on the gravel road D3828, about one kilometre outside Okamatapati in the Otjozondjupa Region. Jacob Mungendje (33) died after a silver Isuzu double cab reportedly lost control and overturned. Five passengers sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Grootfontein State Hospital. The 24-year-old male driver, who is suspected of reckless and negligent driving as well as driving under the influence, was arrested and is receiving medical treatment under police guard. The deceased’s next of kin was informed.
Earlier that same day, at about 01:33, a 27-year-old pedestrian, Shekundja Johannes Keukeinge, died on the spot after being struck by a Prado SUV while crossing the road at Onakalunga village in the Eenhana area. Police said the deceased’s next of kin had been informed and investigations are continuing.
On Christmas Day, another fatal crash occurred about two kilometres from the Groot-Aub turn-off towards Rehoboth. Anthony Auxamub (28), the driver of the vehicle, died on the scene after reportedly losing control, crashing into a bridge and overturning. A passenger sustained slight injuries and was taken to Rehoboth Hospital for treatment.
In the Kavango East Region, a culpable homicide case was reported after Emily Ndara (23) succumbed to her injuries on Friday, following an accident the previous evening at Kehemu location in Rundu. Police allege that an unlicensed driver lost control of a vehicle and struck three people who were sitting near a house. All three were injured, with Emily sustaining critical injuries and later dying in the intensive care unit at Rundu State Hospital. Two male suspects were arrested and are in police custody.
Another pedestrian fatality was recorded on Wednesday, at about 20:40, at Ondjuwoyamukulu village in the Etayi area. Elisia Heita (23) died on the spot after being hit by a vehicle. Police are investigating the incident.
On the same day, at around 17:30, an inquest was opened after Kenewang Karumbo (34) died in a single-vehicle accident between Epukiro Post 3 (Omauozonjanda) and Okozondje. Police allege that the Isuzu bakkie he was driving hit corrugations, causing it to overturn. All occupants were reportedly thrown from the vehicle, and Karumbo died at the scene.
In all cases, the next of kin have been informed, and police investigations are continuing.
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