The New Year festive period was overshadowed by a worrying rise in suicide-related deaths, with police recording at least seven cases across different parts of the country between 31 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. 

According to the Namibian Police’s weekend crime and incident report, the deaths were reported in regions including Oshikoto, Khomas and Erongo, involving men and women aged between 25 and 60. Police indicated that no foul play has been suspected in any of the incidents. 

Among the reported incidents was a 32-year-old male correctional officer who was found dead while on duty at a correctional facility in Omaruru. Police said the officer had reported for duty earlier in the day and appeared normal. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are continuing. 

Several cases were also recorded in the Oshikoto region within a short period, including incidents in Tsintsabis, Onayena and Oshivelo. In most cases, family or community members discovered the deceased. Police reported that no suicide notes were found, while post-mortem examinations are being conducted and next of kin have been informed. 

Medical experts say the clustering of cases during the festive season reflects deeper mental health pressures that often intensify towards the end of the year. 

General practitioner Dr Cornelia Ndifon said prolonged and unrelieved stress can have serious consequences if it is ignored. 

“When stress becomes persistent and consistent, it becomes cumulative, and at some point, a person will crash,” Ndifon said. 

She explained that the end of the year is typically marked by heavy workloads, financial pressure and unmet personal expectations, as people attempt to close work obligations while also meeting family and social demands. 

“The end of the year is a time of review both at work and in personal life, and when people feel they have fallen short, it can create panic, exhaustion and emotional strain,” she said. 

Ndifon added that stress often progresses unnoticed from fatigue into burnout, which may present through irritability, withdrawal, sleep disturbances and persistent sadness. She warned that these warning signs are frequently normalised or dismissed, particularly among men. 

“There is still this idea that people must simply be strong and push through, but even the strongest people get tired,” Ndifon said. “We need to stop normalising burnout and start listening when the body and mind signal distress.” 

Police have not linked the reported deaths to any single cause and said investigations into each case are ongoing. However, the incidents have renewed calls for greater mental health awareness, early intervention and community support, particularly during high-pressure periods such as the festive season. 

Ndifon urged employers, families and communities to play a more active role in recognising emotional distress and creating supportive environments. 

“Stress does not only come from work. It also comes from unmet expectations at home, financial strain and the feeling of failing those who depend on you,” she said, adding that rest, open communication and seeking help early remain critical. 

Numbers 

According to reports, between January and March last year, 124 people died by suicide in Namibia, with 108 of these being men. 

Nampa reported that the Oshana region in central northern Namibia topped the grim list with 20 suicide cases, followed closely by Omusati with 17 and Kavango East with 14. Between January and May 2023, police recorded 151 suicides, with 123 of the victims being men. 

In total, the 2023/2024 financial year saw 542 lives lost to suicide, including eight boys and five girls, the youngest of whom was only five years old. 

The oldest was 103. These figures represent more than just numbers; they reflect the isolation, despair and failure to address mental health, particularly among men. 

This crisis extends beyond completed suicides. The number of attempts is equally high, with about 3 000 individuals attempting to take their own lives during the same period. 

This highlights profound societal distress and what may be a muted plea for help that often goes unnoticed. 

The Ministry of Health and Social Services reported over 100 000 mental health cases during the 2024/2025 financial year. 

-isipunga@nepc.com.na