Festus Hamalwa
Dalene Kooper
OKANGHUDI – The long weekend has claimed over 20 lives in separate accidents across the country, prompting former President Hifikepunye Pohamba to call for urgent road safety interventions.
Among the dead were 11 people killed on Friday morning along the B1 road between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo when a Ministry of Health and Social Services patient bus collided with a truck after reportedly hitting a kudu.
The victims included two nurses, a driver and eight patients travelling from Khorixas to Windhoek for medical treatment.
Earlier in the week, eight people died between Arandis and Swakopmund when a minibus collided with a truck.
On Sunday evening, an unidentified driver of a Nissan NP200 burnt beyond recognition between Tsandi and Onesi in the Omusati Region after the vehicle allegedly struck a donkey and caught fire.
Another woman died in a separate accident on the B2 road near Karibib on Sunday.
The fatalities pushed the national road death toll to over 20 during the weekend of Workers’ Day and Cassinga Day Commemoration.
Speaking on Saturday during a courtesy visit by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at his homestead in Okanghudi village in the Ohangwena Region, Pohamba described the accidents as deeply worrying.
He said the incidents serve as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger road safety measures, increased public awareness and responsible driving.
Pohamba called on national leaders to intensify road safety campaigns to reduce fatalities on the country’s roads.
The former President also urged motorists to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimise accidents.
He further expressed concern over gender-based violence, saying it continues to threaten the safety and dignity of women and children.
“As leaders and citizens, we must strengthen prevention, protection and accountability mechanisms,” he said.
Pohamba further applauded President Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi and SWAPO Party secretary general Sofia Shaningwa for what he described as commendable leadership.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the foundation laid by former presidents has made it easier for her administration to serve the Namibian people.
“That is why the foundation is strong because of you,” she said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah was accompanied by former President Nangolo Mbumba and other senior officials.
Meanwhile, Khorixas District Hospital senior medical officer Ruusa Nangolo said the fatal B1 crash involved hospital staff and community members travelling on the patient transport bus.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of a motor vehicle accident involving members of our hospital, as well as individuals from the community on the patient transport bus,” she said in a statement.
Nangolo said investigations into the crash are still at an early stage as authorities work to identify all those involved.
“This is a distressing and difficult time for our institution and the community at large. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by this tragic accident,” the statement read.
Khorixas constituency councillor Eddie /Nanub described the incident as a devastating loss for the entire constituency.
“This is not merely a statistic; it is a deep, personal wound to all of us. We have lost neighbours, relatives and dedicated healthcare workers who served our community with commitment,” he said.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families, saying the victims had been travelling in search of medical care and in service to others. -fhamalwa@nepc.com.na