A 35-year-old resident of Ondangwa died a horrible death Friday evening after she allegedly doused herself with a flammable liquid, suspected to be paraffin, before setting herself alight. She was identified as Aina Nelago Neema.

According to the police spokesperson in the Oshana region, Thomas Aiyambo, the victim has been suffering from severe depression, which led to her ending her life. 

He said the incident could be the first of its kind in northern Namibia.

Aiyambo explained that after the victim doused herself with paraffin, she went inside her shack and set herself alight. 

Eventually, one of the victim’s family members was alerted to the fire, as it engulfed the entire shack. She rushed to call the emergency services. At the time of their arrival, it was too late and Neema was found burnt to death.

It is alleged that the victim left a letter in which she stated the reason for taking her life was the mistreatment she received from her fellow housemates, who are named in the letter. 

She also thanked and said farewell to her father, mother and friends for taking care of her.

Her body was transported to the Oshakati police mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Aiyambo urged members of the public to seek for psychosocial support from professionals such as social workers, church leaders and the police.

He said taking one’s own life is not a solution.