‘We will remember their names’
…Mariental accident victims remembered
Justicia Shipena
The nation remember lives lost in a tragic accident in a memorial service. This follows the death of 16 people in a head-on collision near Mariental on 30 August, including 14 officers from the Namibian Police Force and Namibia Correctional Service (NSC) and two civilian sisters, Diana Jagger and Roseltha Higoam.
Among the deceased were officers David Musambani, Naemi Shipena, Silvanus Hofeni, Simon Sinyemba, Alina Simeon, Petrus Mbuale, Adreheid Taapopi, Noa Hameho, Tomas Shikongo, Johannes Mbeeli, Jason Amadhila, Katjitombua Muheue, Mercia Louw, and Gerson Hepute.
The crash happened in the early hours of Saturday and involved a Correctional Service van en route to the Hardap Correctional Facility and a Police Force vehicle transporting civilians to the Mariental State Hospital.
A mass memorial service was held at the Mariental sports field on Wednesday. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah led the nation in mourning, calling the accident a heavy cloud of grief hanging over Namibia.
“We gather here this morning as a nation in deep shock, with a sense of disbelief and profound sadness,” she said.
“We are not only standing in solidarity with the bereaved families, but we also walk this painful journey with you.”
She reminded citizens that Namibia had lost more than officers in uniform, noting they were also family members, breadwinners, and future leaders.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the public to take the tragedy as a reminder of the importance of road safety.
“Every life is precious, and every decision made when we are on our roads carries the possibility of profound consequences,” she said. She assured families that the government, together with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund), will provide all necessary support, including swift processing of death certificates, transport arrangements, counselling, and psychosocial support.
“We also cannot overlook the invisible wounds carried by those left behind. As we find ourselves under this dark cloud of shock, grief and sorrow, let us draw strength from our unity and resilience as one people, with One Heart and One Mind,” she added.
Hardap governor Riaan McNab told families that no words can undo the pain or fill the gap left by their loved ones.
Home affairs, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu said the late officers served with courage and devotion.
“We honour their sacrifices, and we will remember their names,” she said.
She urged the public to respect the memory of the deceased by refraining from sharing images that cause pain.
“Let’s choose compassion over curiosity and dignity over speculation.”
NSC commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela also paid tribute to the late officers, calling their service and sacrifice unforgettable.
He urged Namibians to honour their legacy by upholding unity and compassion.
“Dear mourners, let us now channel our grief into support. Let us surround the bereaved families with our unwavering love, prayer, and practical assistance,” he said.
