Renthia Kaimbi
The family of Sam Nepando say he was a man of service whose commitment to his community defined his life and led to his death.
Nepando, the headman of Onelago Village, was shot and killed last Friday while mediating a land dispute.
His cousin, Nikkie Mbeeli, said the family is struggling with the loss of a man they knew as loving, principled and deeply committed to others.
“I personally will always remember his love for his family and the great-hearted person he was, full of life,” Mbeeli told the Windhoek Observer.
The family said Nepando died doing what he believed in most.
“He sadly died serving his community, something he was passionate about in a true, honest and respectful manner,” Mbeeli said.
They described him as a leader who believed in progress and improving the lives of people around him. According to the family, Nepando was driven by a strong desire to uplift living standards, not only in his village but across the country.
Mbeeli said he and Nepando often spoke about development and social issues.
“I fondly remember our countless conversations focused on how to better improve the lives of not only our communities but all Namibians at large,” he said, describing their bond as “priceless.”
Nepando’s role as a traditional headman was central to his identity. At the time of the shooting, he was involved in resolving a local fencing dispute, a task that falls within the duties of village headmen as custodians of customary law.
According to police, the meeting turned violent when a suspect allegedly unhappy with the proceedings opened fire.
The family said they have placed their trust in the justice system.
“Suffice to say the case is in the hands of the criminal justice system and the courts are well equipped to adjudicate and provide justice,” Mbeeli said.
They added that because the incident occurred in the course of Nepando’s traditional duties, they are awaiting guidance from traditional authority structures on the next steps.
Family members have said the loss is still difficult to process. Residents of Onelago Village described Nepando as a calm and fair leader who believed in dialogue and peaceful solutions when handling disputes.
The suspect, Sinkus Johannes (59), has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
The shooting also left Iikokola village headman I-Ben Nashandi injured. Nashandi, who is also the executive director of the National Planning Commission (NPC), is reported to be in stable condition.
Johannes appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court this week, where he was denied bail. The case was postponed for further police investigation.
Political parties and leaders have condemned the killing. Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa said the shooting was linked to systemic failures within the Communal Land Board system.
