Suicides recorded at Otjiwarongo, Otavi military bases

NAMPA

2026-05-30

GROOTFONTEIN, 02 June 2025 - Parade formation of members of the Namibian Defense Force (NDF) on Monday at their 35th Anniversary celebration at Grootfontein Military Base in the Otjozondjupa Region. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

OTJIWARONGO, 30 MAY (NAMPA) - Two members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) were found dead on Thursday and Friday night at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region.

Namibian Police Force (NamPol) head of community affairs in the region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, told Nampa on Saturday that the deceased were identified as 27-year-old Jonas Kambonde and Patrick Kopper, 30.

Mbeha said Kambonde allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with an AK-47 rifle on Friday night at around 20h10 at the Otjiwarongo military base, while Kopper was allegedly found hanging inside an old toilet on Thursday morning at approximately 08h30 at the Otavi military base.

“Kambonde was on duty at the time of the incident at the Otjiwarongo military base and was discovered by a colleague lying inside his room at the barracks, while Kopper, who was attached to the Engineering Regiment at the Otavi military base, was last seen on 25 May 2026 and was only found on 28 May 2026 hanging from the roof of the toilet by colleagues at the base,” said Mbeha.

Kopper’s body was in a decomposed state and was transported to the Otjiwarongo police mortuary.

The two reportedly did not leave suicide notes and no foul play is suspected at this stage.

Police investigations continue.
(NAMPA)
MS/HP

Community

Sacred sites require protection: Ngurare

2026-05-29 18:51:53

Witbooi urges youth to protect cultural identity amid modernisation

2026-05-29 17:07:58

Woman gets 35 years for double murder and arson

2026-05-29 15:36:52

Witbooi urges Namibia to reclaim genocide narrative through education, arts and research

2026-05-28 18:22:26

Shuumbwa calls for unity in genocide remembrance

2026-05-28 17:46:15

Steenkamp urges youth to champion peace, justice and unity

2026-05-28 16:31:17

Mbuende calls for historic reflection on Genocide Remembrance Day

2026-05-28 16:30:48

Genocide descendants call for independent reparations framework on Remembrance Day

2026-05-28 15:43:10

Hai//Om San traditional leader dies at Outjo

2026-05-27 18:48:02

Youth activist says genocide should never be forgotten

2026-05-27 17:35:29

Witbooi pledges machinery support for Omusati disability project

2026-05-27 16:29:54

Latest NAMPA photos

Windhoek, 29 May- Patrick Geingob, murder accused. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu) NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 29 May- Mechthilde Karomo. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

ONDONGA, 28 May 2026- Ondonga King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo addressing the Genocide Remembrance Day. (Photo: Max Henrich) NAMPA

NAMPA

ONDANGWA, 28 May 2026 - Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp addressing the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration at Oluno Community Hall in the Oshana region.

NAMPA

OPUWO, 28 May 2026- Director-General of the National Planning Commission Dr Kaire Mbuende addressing the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration at Opuwo in the Kunene Region. (Photo: Kaviveterue Virere) NAMPA

NAMPA

OPUWO, 28 May 2026- Director-General of the National Planning Commission Dr Kaire Mbuende, Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua, and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse during the Genocide Remembrance Day in Opuwo, Kunene Region. (Photo: Kaviveterue Virere) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 28 May 2026 - Chiefs of the Zeraeua and !Oe-ǂGan Traditional Authorities Ombara Manase Christian Zeraeua and Gaob Immanuel ǂNu-axa ǃGâseb (l), Chairperson of the Genocide Committee in Erongo Uahimisa Kaapehi (m) and other political and traditional leaders kneel at the entrance of the Swakopmund Memorial Park to seek for permission from the ancestors before entering the cemetery, during the Ovaherero and Nama Genocide. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 28 May 2026 - Gaob Immanuel ǂNu-axa ǃGâseb of the !Oe-ǂGan Traditional Authority, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses, Ombara Manase Christian Zeraeua of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority and Former Member of Parliament (MP) Usutuaije Maamberua paying their respects to the victims of the 1904-1908 Ovaherero and Nama Genocide at the Swakopmund Memorial Park, during the Genocide Remembrance Day. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA