Oshana Region Reports 26 Drowning Cases in Five Months

The Oshana Region recorded 26 drowning cases from January to May 2025, predominantly in February and March. The most recent incident involved a man who drowned while fishing at a dam. Police urge the public to avoid deep waters to prevent further tragedies.

In a concerning development, the Oshana Region has recorded a total of 26 drowning cases from January to May 2025. Notably, most of these fatalities occurred during the months of February and March, which saw 16 deaths alone. This data presents a grim picture for the region, with a wide range of victims ranging from young children to senior citizens, particularly a six-year-old and a 65-year-old pensioner.

The latest drowning incident involved a 29-year-old man named Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo from Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region. He tragically drowned while fishing at a man-made dam in Oshakati on a Saturday. Nasikambo, who was working as a domestic worker in Onawa village, was present at the site with his girlfriend.

According to Oshana police commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the events unfolded as Nasikambo attempted to retrieve a fish entangled in a floating container. “It is alleged that he was fishing with his girlfriend when he entered the water with the intention of retrieving a fish that had become entangled in an empty floating cooldrink container,” Sakaria stated.

As he ventured into the water, Nasikambo quickly became fatigued and called for help. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, who remained at the edge of the water, tried to seek assistance, but unfortunately, it arrived too late, per Sakaria’s account. The local police’s Special Reserve Force were able to recover his body from the water.

In light of these unfortunate drowning incidents, Commissioner Sakaria has urged the community to exercise caution and to steer clear of deep waters whenever possible, highlighting the need to prevent further tragedies in the region.

In conclusion, the Oshana Region’s uptick in drowning incidents this year calls for heightened awareness and safety measures. With 26 recorded cases, particularly concentrated between February and March, the community is facing a troubling situation. The tragic story of Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo underscores the dangers of water-related activities, prompting authorities to advocate for better safety practices. Additionally, the police’s response reinforces the importance of timely assistance in such emergencies.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na