John Muyamba

RUNDU – A member of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) stationed at an army base at Rundu allegedly committed suicide on Saturday with a service rifle which he had just booked out while on duty. 

The incident happened at about 16h30, and the deceased soldier allegedly left a suicide note with information revealing personal challenges which ultimately led him to commit suicide.

“It is alleged that the deceased - while on duty - booked out a rifle, which he used to commit suicide. The deceased was identified as Jonas Natanael Shilongo (30), a Namibian male and a member of the NDF,” said the Kavango East region’s acting police commander, deputy commissioner Eino Nambahu, in confirming the incident to New Era.

A police report stated that other soldiers noticed that the deceased was not in his usual good mood. However, they did not suspect that he would use the firearm on himself, and thus provided him with the rifle as it is normal procedure when reporting for
duty.

Shortly after booking out the rifle, the deceased’s colleagues heard a gunshot. Upon investigating, they found his lifeless body. The next of kin have been notified.