Ongwediva
A head-on collision on Friday claimed four lives and left five others injured, including a toddler, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital.
The incident happened at around noon about 15 km from Ondangwa at Oshapapa Village on the road between Ondangwa and Omuthiya on the side of Oshikoto Region.
Police Regional Crime Investigation Coordinator in Oshikoto Region Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua alleged that a Toyota Prado swerved off the road to avoid hitting an animal when it collided head-on with a Toyota Hilux travelling from Walvis Bay to Ondangwa.
The 66-year-old driver of the Toyota Prado sustained minor injuries. He was alone in the car.
The driver of the double cab silver Toyota Hilux Martin Mafita and his 11-year-old son Tomas Mafita, however, died on the spot.
His 10-month-old daughter Kristine Mafita was admitted at the ICU at Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital with serious injuries, while his six-year-old daughter, Sylvia Mafita, is also said to be in critical condition at the same hospital.
The other passengers who died at the scene are 35-year-old Frieda Wilpard and 46-year-old Hilma Shikalakuti. Hikalakuti was employed at Kuisebmund Police Station.
Mafita’s wife Selma Shilongo survived the accident and was also admitted Onandjokwe Hospital. She is a sergeant at Narraville Police Station in Walvis Bay.
Valeria Vaulukeni, aged 24, was also admitted to Onandjokwe.
It is reported that the seven passengers in the double cab Toyota Hilux were travelling to the north to attend a relative’s wedding when the dreadful accident occurred.
The police in Erongo Region sent condolences to the victims and their families through the Oshikoto crime coordinator.
“The Erongo police wish her a speedy recovery and our Almighty Father must comfort her family during this difficult time,” related the deputy commissioner.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened.