Lahja Nashuuta
Festus Hamalwa
Mariental –The road outside Mariental still tells the story of tragedy. Oil spills and mangled debris mark the spot where 14 Namibian Police and Correctional Service officers perished in a devastating head-on crash that left a town and a nation in mourning on Saturday morning.
Passing motorists slow down, some hooting in respect while others stop briefly, standing silently in disbelief. For the town of Mariental, and the nation at large, the scars of this tragedy run deep.
Families, colleagues, and communities are mourning men and women who died while on duty, serving their country.
At the Mariental Correctional Facility, the atmosphere is heavy with grief. Officers struggle to hold back tears as they remember their fallen colleagues.
“I am horrified and still in shock,” said one officer, who requested anonymity. “It wasn’t even my shift, but I came in because the entire team that was on duty perished yesterday. I first saw the news on social media, and when I tried to call them, no one picked up. That’s when I knew something terrible had happened.”
Supervisor Munihango Shandrek Mutawo described the accident as an immeasurable loss, saying the officers were more than just colleagues; they were family.
“These were disciplined, hardworking, and dedicated civil servants,” Mutawo said, his voice breaking with emotion. “Most of them reported to me daily, and we worked side by side. It is painful even to talk about it. We have lost young people who still had so much to offer.”
He added that several off-duty officers rushed to the scene to assist emergency teams. “We tried to help, to get them to the hospital, but most died on the way. We really did everything we could,” Mutawo said, struggling to hold back tears.
Deputy Officer-in-Charge, Orlam William, confirmed that discussions are underway to hold a memorial service at the crash site. “We will meet the governor tomorrow to plan the service. For official details, please contact our communications office in Windhoek,” he said.
William also assured the public that despite the heavy loss, the correctional facility remains stable. “The inmates know what happened. We informed them, and although they are sad, they are calm. The entire facility is operating in a very sober atmosphere. All hands are on deck, and things are under control,” he said.
The pain of the tragedy stretches far beyond Mariental. Families in different regions are also reeling from the loss. Among them is Indongo Timoteus from Tsandi in the Omusati region, who lost a relative in the crash.
“We lost a family member along with others from Omusati. We cannot mention his name yet until government announces it officially, but his wife arrived this morning,” he said, standing at the accident scene in disbelief.
Timoteus said his relative had only recently joined the Correctional Service. “He had just moved from Windhoek and was due to be transferred to Omaruru. He was young, full of energy, and only starting his career. It is so heartbreaking”.
As family members struggle to come to terms with the tragedy, they say they are comforted by the memories they are left with of their loved ones.
Eliaser Simeon, who lost his daughter in the accident, said the loss has left a big gap in the family.
“Our daughter was the only breadwinner in the family. I am speechless and to lose her in such a horrific way is heartbreaking,” he said. Simeon said his daughter had left behind two children, now orphaned. Despite the pain, he expressed acceptance.
“We believe this was a natural incident. It is God’s will. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” he added. Another mourner, Hellen Andreas, who lost an aunt, called on the government to take serious action and fine recklessly drivers. “We are mourning the loss of our aunt, who was the caregiver in our family. This news is truly devastating,” she said. Andreas described the incident as a national loss, as the deceased were dedicated public servants.
“This tragedy affects not just families, but the whole nation. These officers served the people. It’s time for the government to ensure all its employees are transported safely to prevent such incidents,” she said.
She further urged drivers to always adhere to road signs and avoid over speeding.
Natangwe Shikongo, who lost an uncle in the crash, said he is now without financial support for his education. “My uncle was helping me through school. I don’t know how I will manage now,” he said.
He appealed to the government to prioritize the safety of its staff, particularly when they are travelling long distances for duty. “May we all find strength during this incredibly difficult time. May their souls rest in peace,” he added.