National footballer pleads guilty over hit-and-run incident

Brave Warriors player Edmar Kamatuka has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run accident at Walvis Bay on Christmas Eve.

The incident, which occurred in the harbour town’s Tutaleni area, left two pedestrians seriously injured.

According to Erongo police spokesperson inspector Ileni Shapumba, Kamatuka faced charges of reckless or negligent driving and failing to ascertain the nature of injuries and damage after an accident.

He was detained and fined following an intervention by his father to bring him from Windhoek for proceedings in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (27 December).

The incident took place around 15h50 in front of a bar in Walvis Bay’s Volstruis Street, where Kamatuka reportedly drove a car at high speed, lost control, collided with a stationary vehicle and struck pedestrians next to the road, before fleeing the scene.

The pedestrians, Jackson Eita and George George, were transported to Walvis Bay State Hospital for treatment.

“The driver abandoned the accident scene without assessing the extent of damages or rendering aid to the injured,” Shapumba reported.
While addressing the public’s behaviour during the festive season, Shapumba acknowledged generally “commendable conduct”, but stressed the importance of adhering to licence provisions for liquor sales, especially on national holidays like Christmas Day, Good Friday and Ascension Day.

“As the region prepares for New Year’s celebrations, the Erongo police are committed to ensuring safety and security, with the regional commander directing the proper deployment of resources,” Shapumba said.

“The force extends its gratitude to the public for their cooperation and wishes everyone a safe journey and a prosperous 2024.”