ONDANGWA – A 25-year-old Namibian Defence Force (NDF) member is expected to appear in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court today after allegedly murdering his 41-year-old friend and cutting off his testicles. 

According to the police, the suspect allegedly took the testicles to his homestead at Okakwiyu village, burnt it, and buried it inside the house. 

Oshana deputy commissioner Frederick Nandjila confirmed the incident. 

The victim’s body was discovered on Sunday morning in a sewage pond in Ondangwa in the Oshana region by a local resident. 

The deceased was identified as Salom Nikanor from Okakwiyu village. 

The suspect was arrested on Monday afternoon in Ondangwa, after members of the public alerted the police. 

Police stated that the suspect was a neighbour to the victim. 

It is further alleged that the suspect had registered the victim for a funeral cover and intended to claim the money after his death. 

Police did not disclose the value of the funeral cover. Investigations are ongoing. Following the arrest, police questioned the suspect and escorted him to his homestead, where the burnt and buried remains were allegedly found. Speaking to this publication, an aunt of the victim said the family was shocked, as the suspect and the victim were inseparable. 

“They used to go out drinking together. They had good communication and unity. We cannot believe this incident,” she said. 

She further alleged that the suspect may have bought alcohol for the victim to make it easier to attack him. 

Other residents who spoke to New Era said they are now afraid to socialise with friends, as the incident shows that even close friends can be dangerous. 

Meanwhile, the chief of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, Ndilimani Iipumbu, said such incidents are often associated with ritual practices. 

“People out there are trying to practise rituals for certain reasons. We are shocked that a man could cut off another man’s private parts,” he said. 

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na 

Photo: Heather Erdmann