ONGWEDIVA- The Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, has expressed concern over the rise in violent incidents involving mentally ill individuals. 

He attributed much of the problem to parents who have failed to educate their children about cultural values and norms. 

The King emphasised that many young people today suffer from mental health illness as a result of engaging in rituals, being cursed for stealing others’ property, or neglecting their cultural roots. 

His remarks come in response to a recent case involving a 39-year-old woman with a mental illness who allegedly killed her 89-year-old grandmother in the Ondonga Kingdom. 

He also referred to a separate incident involving a 26-year-old man who reportedly killed his 88-year-old grandmother and injured a niece with a panga. 

In both cases, knives and pangas were used as weapons. According to King Shuumbwa, the nature of mental illness has changed. He believes many of today’s cases are not natural, but the result of rituals and demonic influences. “In our time, people who were mentally ill did not take pangas to kill their relatives. That never happened,” he said. 

He explained that many modern-day mental illnesses are caused by curses and evil spirits, often linked to family rituals. 

“These spirits can be caused by family rituals. That’s why it is very important for parents to teach their children about these things and warn them about what not to do,” he added. 

The King also noted that when individuals reject their family rituals, it can later lead to mental health issues. 

He controversially claimed that some men who “turn gay” do so as a result of these family issues, which then affects their mental health. 

“Things happen for a reason. Water doesn’t move without an insect in it,” he said, using a local metaphor. 

He urged elders to be honest with their children about the meaning and potential consequences of their family’s rituals. 

“Be honest and tell the truth. Tell your children not to do certain things, because they have a negative impact,” he advised. 

Meanwhile, Oshikoto Police have reported a case in which an 89-year-old pensioner, Julia Michael, was allegedly killed by her mentally ill granddaughter. 

The incident occurred in Oshamba Village, Oniipa Constituency. 

According to police reports, one of the deceased’s neighbour, a young man arrived at the house early morning, to help with chores as previously arranged. 

Upon arrival, he found the granddaughter in the kitchen preparing two chickens. 

Police said the man becoming suspicious, began searching for the elderly woman. 

Shortly afterwards, he allegedly saw the granddaughter jump or climb out of the window of the sleeping room, which was locked from the inside. She then walked outside and stood under a nearby tree. The neighbour discovered the grandmother’s body inside the sleeping room. She was lying in a pool of blood with multiple wounds to the head, hands, and arms. He immediately alerted other neighbours. 

Two pangas and one knife were found next to the body and are believed to be the murder weapons. The deceased lived alone. 

According to the family, the granddaughter had not been seen for a while, as she normally lived in Ondangwa and the Omusati Region. She had reportedly arrived at the grandmother’s house just the day before the incident. 

Family members confirmed that the suspect is a mental health patient. 

Since last year, the Ohangwena Region has reported several cases of mentally ill individuals killing or injuring their relatives. 

fhamalwa@nepc.com.na