2008-03-06Staff Report 2 By Charles Tjatindi WALVIS BAY A small miner died from unknown causes last Sunday as he and friends were digging for semi-precious stones in the Erongo Mountains. According to a police report, the deceased, only identified as Johannes, and others were digging for semi-precious stones at a site in the Erongo Mountains, when the deceased requested for a smoke break. When he did not return after a while, his friends went looking for him, only to discover him dead. An inquest docket has been opened, and the police have ruled out any foul play. Small miners have for years been digging for semi-precious stones in these mineral-rich mountains, which they trade for a small fee. Although the extra money comes in handy to supplement their income, the operations are often risky and dangerous for these miners. In another incident, a case of murder has been opened after 25-year-old Simon Neumbo was fatally struck with an axe in the neck at a hangout spot in Swakopmund's Meduletu suburb. The incident occurred last Thursday at around 16h45, the police reported. Neumbo died near Usakos on the way to Windhoek for treatment. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. A case of attempted murder was also registered by the police after a 52-year-old Chinese national, Zhang Chun's car was shot at. Chun barely escaped death when a person masquerading as a hitchhiker on the road between Usakos and Karibib stopped his car. When Chun failed to stop, the suspect allegedly started shooting at the car targeting the driver. No one was hurt in the incident, and the suspect is still at large. Although a case of attempted murder was opened, police believe the motive behind the attack was robbery. The police also reported that 46-year-old Naftali Shivute, a resident of Meduletu in Swakopmund committed suicide by hanging himself with an electrical wire. The incident occurred in the morning of February 18, 2008 at the deceased's workplace - a bed and breakfast in Swakopmund. The motive for the suicide is not yet known, as he did not leave a suicide note. A case of arson has been reported by the regional police after a shack in Mondesa, Swakopmund, was set alight, allegedly with revenge being the motive. The incident occurred at around 01h00, when a neighbour noticed the fire and alerted the police and firefighters. It was however too late to salvage any property, as the fire spread to two other nearby shacks. The police reported the suspects who were arrested in the incident might have been on an act of revenge, as they already have a murder case pending against them for an earlier brush with the law. 2008-03-06Staff Report 2
