IIKOKOLA – Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Sem Pendapala Nepando, who was laid to rest at Onamutene cemetery on Saturday.
Nepando died on 2 January 2026 after he was shot and killed during a community meeting over a land dispute at Iikokola village in the Oshikoto region. The headman of Iikokola village, I-Ben Nashandi, who was also part of the meeting, was injured after being shot by the same accused.
He is currently hospitalised at Ongwediva Medipark Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
The accused, Sinskus Johannes (59), remains in custody after his case was postponed to 18 June 2026 for further investigation.
Nepando was the assistant headman of Iikokola village, where his homestead is located.
He was also the headman of Onelago village in the Oshikoto region. Mourners broke into tears during the lowering of the casket, describing Nepando as a humble and peaceful man. Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Shuumbwa Nangolo, described the late Nepando as a man who was always assisting pensioners in the village.
“This devastating news has affected all traditional authorities in the country. I lost a hard-working leader,” he said.
He added that Nepando was brave and died in the line of duty.
“Despite this disturbing incident, I will remain committed to serving you as your Omukwaniilwa,” he said.
He urged people to remain peaceful and united and to continue adhering to the rules of the traditional authorities.
Nangolo also proposed the establishment of the Ondonga Children’s Fund in honour of Nepando’s legacy, a charitable initiative aimed at assisting children in need within the Ondonga community, including the children of the late Nepando.
He tasked each village to contribute N$200 annually and said he personally pledged N$20 000 to kick-start the fund.
Also speaking at the funeral, Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said Nepando leaves behind a powerful legacy of humility, service, courage, and unwavering commitment to peace.
“He was a leader by character, by conduct, and by conviction. He understood leadership as service rooted in patience, wisdom, dialogue, and fairness. He dedicated his life to resolving disputes,” he stressed.
Nashandi’s message of condolences was read on his behalf by Reverend Eino Nangula.
“We were just carrying out our duties in a fair and peaceful manner, but Satan took a gun and shot us. Go well, my friend. I am saddened by your departure. I am in the hospital crying,” Nashandi added.
He further said that President Nandi-Ndaitwah called him and wished him a speedy recovery.
“The President asked me to convey her condolences to the family of Nepando and the entire community,” he said.
Nepando’s widow, Kornelia Nepando, described her husband as a peaceful and caring man.
“My husband did not like bad things. He loved peace. He was not violent,” she said.
Nepando is survived by his five children.
The children described their father as a man who loved order and motivated them to study hard.
