WINDHOEK- Investigation by the ombudsman into the fatal shooting of Frieda Ndatipo during confrontations with the police is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
The ombudsman, Advocate John Walters, confirmed this to New Era yesterday. Ndatipo, 26, was killed during a demonstration calling for jobs in front of headquarters of the country’s ruling party, Swapo, in August.
“We have managed to obtained 20 witness statements to date, gathered forensic evidence, and studied video materials. Our target date for finalising the investigation is set for month-end,” said Walters.
“By next week we will gather enough evidence to have a clearer picture of what had transpired on that fateful day,” he believes, adding that only the drafting of the report may take some time.
He said although they are chasing time, they will not sacrifice any detail which may assist in the investigation.
“The media will be regularly informed of the progress,” he added. Last month Prime Minister, Hage Geingob, announced that an independent, credible, impartial and transparent investigation into the death of Ndatipo will be carried out to establish the truth on what exactly happened the day she was fatally shot. At the time, Geingob said government has full confidence in Ombudsman Walters and he had no doubt that the investigation would be handled in an impartial and transparent manner. Ndatipo was buried at her home village Ehafo village in the Okongo district of the Ohangwena Region.
Ndatipo is survived by three orphaned children and three siblings she was taking care of.