Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will attend a mass memorial service in Mariental today to honour the 16 people who died in a head-on collision near the town on Saturday, the presidency said on Tuesday.
The service will be held at the Mariental sports field.
The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security said that the event will start at 11h00, with activities beginning at 10h00.
Minister Lucia Iipumbu said wellness officers and investigators have been sent to Mariental to provide psycho-social support to survivors, families, and colleagues affected by the crash.
The car crash that happened in the early hours of Saturday claimed the lives of 14 uniformed officers and two civilians.
It involved a Namibian Correctional Service (NSC) van en route to the Hardap Correctional Facility and a Namibian Police Force vehicle transporting civilians to the Mariental State Hospital.
“This is a deep wound, not only to the ministry but to the nation,” Iipumbu said.
The deceased officers are 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 two civilians are Diana Jagger and her sister Roseltha Higoam.
Iipumbu urged the public to stop sharing graphic images of the accident on social media, saying such actions “cause additional pain to the grieving families and dishonour the memory of the deceased.”
She added, “As we prepare to gather at Mariental to honour our fallen heroes, let us stand united in compassion, solidarity, and prayer.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah over the weekend extended condolences to the families, saying the deaths left a void that will not be easily filled.
“These officers, together with the civilians, were part of our Namibian family. Their dedication and service to the country, she added, will “forever be remembered with respect and gratitude.”
Affirmative Repositioning Movement leader Job Shipululo Amupanda also expressed sorrow and called on authorities to implement urgent measures to prevent similar incidents.
He urged both the police and the correctional services to assist the families in providing a dignified send-off for the deceased.
