Namibians have expressed appreciation for a 16-year-old who rescued twin babies who were drowning in a pond after being dumped by their mother at Omutundungu village in the Omusati region.

Community members said the boy is a true hero because he did a remarkable job rescuing the babies.

Cornelius Shimwaafeni witnessed the mother throwing the babies into the pond while he was herding livestock last week.

He was shocked to see the mother throwing her babies into the water.

“Immediately, I rushed to rescue them. I removed them one by one,” he added.

He later rushed to nearby caca shops to seek help from elders.

The twins are nine months old.

Meanwhile, the mother, 24-year-old Theresia Johannes, was denied bail when she made her first appearance at the Outapi Magistrate’s Court.

Her case has been postponed to 3 September for further police investigations.

The baby twins have since been discharged from the hospital.

On Wednesday, Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo visited the twins at their homestead, adding they were in good condition.

“We really appreciate this young boy. He did amazing work,” he said.

The twins are now staying with their father in a different village.

He urged women to always take their children to the hospital instead of harming them.

“Children are innocent. Women should engage social workers and pastors. There is a lot of help available,” he said.

fhamalwa@nepc.com.na