Tragic Drownings Spark Safety Concerns in Northern Namibia

Two young boys drowned in Northern Namibia, raising concerns about child supervision near water. Volkmar Kahana, 11, and Nhawa Jonas, 6, tragically lost their lives while fishing. Educators urge better safety practices to prevent future incidents, with police addressing increasing cases of child drownings.

The tragic drowning of two young boys in northern Namibia has raised serious concerns about child safety. Volkmar Kahana, an 11-year-old student at Oshakati West Primary School, and 6-year-old Nhawa Jonas lost their lives during a fishing incident. Volkmar, attempting to rescue Jonas from a pond, drowned alongside him despite his brave efforts. His absence is profoundly felt among peers and staff, highlighting the importance of safe practices around water bodies.

The school principal described Volkmar as a bright and quiet student with a promising academic future, indicating he would have received several awards. The tragic event unfolded when Volkmar’s sister noticed Jonas struggling in the water, prompting her brother to leap in without hesitation. Unfortunately, he did not resurface, and his sister hurried home for help, but it was too late.

Authorities responded to this incident, with the Oshana police retrieving both bodies from the pond. Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo confirmed the recovery operations, while Ismael Basson, the Omusati regional commander, announced ongoing community outreach initiatives. These aim to address the rising number of child drownings, often attributed to children being left unsupervised by adults.

Currently, there are four cases of child abuse related to drownings pending in court, emphasizing the pressing need for adult supervision. Commissioner Basson remarked that many incidents occur when children are left alone while caregivers attend to household duties or work in the fields. This highlights a critical area for community education and preventive measures.

The drowning of Volkmar Kahana and Nhawa Jonas underscores the urgent need for improved supervision of children near water. Community education and active engagement by local authorities are essential in preventing such tragedies. With ongoing initiatives focusing on safety, there is hope for better protection of vulnerable youths in Northern Namibia.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na