Oshana Region Reports 26 Drowning Cases in Just Five Months

The Oshana Region has recorded 26 drowning cases from January to May 2025, with 16 occurring in two months. The latest victim, 29-year-old Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo, drowned while fishing. Police urge community members to avoid deep water to prevent such tragedies.

The Oshana Region has reported 26 drowning cases from January to May 2025, with a significant concentration of these incidents in February and March. Police Commander Naftal Lungameni Sakaria emphasized in an interview this week that 16 drowning deaths were attributed to these two months alone. Tragically, the age range of the victims varies dramatically, encompassing a six-year-old child up to a 65-year-old pensioner.

The most recent fatality involved a 29-year-old man from Katima Mulilo, identified as Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo. He drowned while fishing in a man-made dam at Oshakati. It appears Nasikambo was fishing with his girlfriend when he entered the water to retrieve a fish that had become trapped in a floating beverage container, as stated by Commander Sakaria.

Sakaria detailed that Nasikambo began to struggle while swimming, and despite his girlfriend’s attempts to summon help from the shore, assistance arrived too late for a rescue. Divers from the police’s Special Reserve Force later recovered his body from the dam, marking yet another tragic loss in the area’s rising drowning cases.

In response to these ongoing tragedies, the police commander has implored the community to exercise caution and avoid deep water to prevent future incidents. This call to action underscores the urgent need for preventive measures and heightened awareness regarding water safety.

In summary, the Oshana Region has observed a worrying trend of drowning incidents, particularly in early 2025, with calls for increased public caution. The tragic drowning of Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo highlights the need for awareness around water safety. As authorities urge residents to stay away from deep water, it becomes crucial for the community to heed these warnings to prevent further tragedies.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na