Oshana Region Reports 26 Drowning Cases in Five Months, Urges Safety

In the Oshana Region, 26 drowning incidents have been reported from January to May 2025, with a peak in February and March. The latest incident involved a 29-year-old man who drowned while fishing. Police urge the public to take precautions around deep waters to prevent further tragedies.

Police in the Oshana Region have reported a total of 26 drowning cases over the course of five months, spanning from January to May 2025. Alarmingly, February and March accounted for a significant number of these incidents, with 16 deaths recorded during that period alone. The range of victims has been quite broad, from a six-year-old child to a 65-year-old pensioner, illustrating the tragic nature of these events.

One of the most recent incidents involved a 29-year-old man named Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo, who tragically drowned on Saturday while engaged in fishing activities at a man-made dam in Oshakati. Nasikambo, originally from Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region, was working as a domestic worker in Onawa village alongside his girlfriend at the time of the accident.

According to Oshana police commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the incident occurred at the Omatale Gakatumale dam. It is reported that Nasikambo entered the water in an attempt to retrieve a fish caught in a floating beverage container. During this endeavor, he became fatigued and cried out for help. Unfortunately, despite his girlfriend’s attempts to call for assistance, help arrived too late, leading to his tragic demise.

The recovery of Nasikambo’s body was carried out by divers from the police’s Special Reserve Force. This incident has prompted Commissioner Sakaria to issue a strong warning to the public, urging them to refrain from venturing into deep water in order to avert further tragic occurrences. The call for caution is a plea for community safety in light of the startling number of drownings reported in the region.

In summary, the Oshana Region has seen a concerning rise in drowning incidents, with 26 cases documented in the first five months of 2025. The latest tragedy involving Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo highlights the urgent need for public awareness and action to prevent similar occurrences. Police underscore the importance of avoiding deep water to safeguard lives in the community.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na