Eight people die in weekend car accidents

WINDHOEK, 14 APR (NAMPA) – Eight people died in car accidents recorded by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) across the country over the weekend, with the youngest victims being two eight-year-old boys.
NamPol in a crime bulletin said eight-year-old Lukas Sheehamange died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the Onakalunga-Oushake road at Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region on Saturday.
NamPol Spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, reported that the 38-year-old male suspect was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and has been arrested.
The other eight-year-old boy died instantly after being hit by a car on Friday between Ondangwa and Omuthiya. Police say the victim, identified as Nestor Lazarus, and others were standing next to the road, selling frogs when the accident occurred.
The 37-year-old suspect was arrested.
In another incident, 42-year-old Kandjimi Hailwa died on the spot after he lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to overturn on a curve on the B15 road between Tsumeb and Tsintsabis on Saturday.
A passenger in the car, Hafeni Damaseb, aged 43, died upon arrival at the Tsumeb State Hospital.
“The other three passengers aged 17, 18 and 31, were taken to Tsintsabis Clinic with serious injuries. The two deceased’s remains were taken to Tsumeb State Hospital mortuary for autopsies,” Shikwambi said.
In a separate incident Friday afternoon, three individuals died an accident on the A1 road near the Gross Barmen bridge close to Okahandja. A tyre burst on the double-cab bakkie they were traveling in, which had 10 occupants, leading to the vehicle overturning.
Other passengers suffered minor to serious injuries and are receiving treatment at the Okahandja State Hospital.
Another person, 39-year-old Jesaya Ankonga, died on the gravel road between Epumbu and Oshali in the Olukonda Constituency of the Oshikoto Region after he lost control of the pick-up he was driving, causing it to swerve off the road and overturn.
Police say the deceased was alone at the time of the accident.
His next of kin have been informed.
Police investigations into the culpable homicide cases continue.
(NAMPA)
EB/ND/AS