Two bricklayers died yesterday morning when a section of the wall at Outapi shopping centre collapsed.
Confirming the deaths, Sergeant Hesekiel Hamalwa of the Omusati Police said the incident took place at around 09h00.
Three others were fortunate to escape death by a whisker – albeit with head injuries for which they received treatment.
Tona Trading belonging to prominent businessman Tona Amadhila, who is the husband of the Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, is constructing the double-storey Outapi shopping centre.At the time of the collapse the two victims were about to plaster a five-metre single wall, which collapsed on them.
Police opened an inquest docket in the matter and identified the deceased as Ndateelela Suaoma David, 45, originally from Okahao village and Silas Lazarus Nafuka, 34, from OkathitukaKahala village. Sources said the construction of a section of the double-storey with a single wall instead of a double wall compromised the strength of the building.
Workers were also not wearing helmets that would have cushioned their heads and possibly prevented their deaths.