Osino Gold Exploration and Mining has announced the reburial of graves that were exhumed from Farm Okawayo in January 2024.

The four historical graves were exhumed on 13 January 2024 in line with Namibian heritage legislation and the Burials and Ordinance Act of 1966, following extensive consultation with the Office of the Presidency, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Land Affairs and the National Heritage Council (NHC).

The company announced that following months of engagement with the descendants of the deceased individuals, it has now received clear guidance from the family regarding the reinterment process. 

“The funeral arrangements was led by Helmuth Auchab, who has been granted authority to speak and act on behalf of the majority of the Auchab family members. The reburial took place on Saturday, 29 November 2025, and will be conducted by Nambob, the specialist team that carried out the original exhumation,” the company stated. 

Meanwhile, a designated representative from the NHC was present to ensure compliance with all legal and procedural requirements, consistent with the process followed during the exhumation. The exhumation was completed under the supervision of a specialist archaeologist appointed on the NHC’s advice, with an NHC representative present to ensure due process. 

The fragile remains were placed in coffins and temporarily housed at Nambob’s facilities in Swakopmund, with specialists advising that the remains be reinterred as soon as practically possible.

“Osino has been engaging with the descendants of the deceased for over a year for input regarding the reburial. With consensus now reached, the reburial will proceed in accordance with the family’s religious, cultural, and traditional practices. Osino will cover all reasonable costs associated with the reinterment,” the company had stated. 

Meanwhile, Helmuth Auchab expressed relief that the process has finally reached an agreement, stating: “We are grateful that consensus has been reached. It is a weight off our shoulders knowing that our loved ones can now be respectfully reburied according to our traditions.”

Osino added that it remains committed to ensuring a dignified, respectful, and lawful reburial, overseen by an experienced team that has handled similar processes on numerous occasions. 

“The company reiterates its commitment to transparency, legal compliance, and continued engagement with affected families and traditional custodians throughout the process,” Osino added via its media statement. 

-newsroom@nepc.com.na