RUNDU – A 15-year-old boy was found dead at the Tjova village along the Trans-Caprivi Highway in Mukwe constituency on Friday. 

The cause of death is not yet known, but residents suspect it could be a snakebite. The victim, a minor, has been identified as grade 6 learner Kambango Kasian Kathighana. 

Tjova resident Christian Mukuve told New Era the boy was herding goats at the time – and it seems he tried to run home to alert others but fell and died a few metres away from his homestead.  “He was just found outside the homestead with foam in his mouth,” said Mukuve, adding that they have had similar sad incidences in the past. 

“The problem with our village is that we are far from the nearest clinics. People struggle to rush people to clinics due to transport issues and the nearby clinics have no ambulance services.” 

Tjova villagers have to travel 9km east to the Tjova health centre in the Kangongo village or 9km west to the Mbambi village for health services. 

Mukuve further told of another minor who was bitten by a snake on the same day. He said Geremia Matema (8) was bitten by a green mamba snake in a different area and was rushed to the nearest clinic.  

“The young girl is also undergoing treatment for a dog bite sustained during the same time she got bitten by a snake,” said Mukuve.

- jmuyamba@nepc.com.na