Maria David
THE Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has reported a concerning spike in road accidents since Christmas Eve, with 10 crashes recorded across the country. These incidents have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant property damage.
The police weekend report issued on Friday detailed incidents that occurred between Christmas Eve and Family Day.
NamPol Head of Public Relations Division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said that a case of culpable homicide, reckless and/or negligent driving, fleeing from an accident scene, and failure to ascertain the nature of damages during an accident was reported on Christmas Eve.
Shikwambi indicated that the incident occurred around 20:30 at Eenyika Village along the B10 road between Eenhana and Onhuno.
“It is alleged that the driver of a metallic blue Volkswagen Polo hit and killed a pedestrian on the spot and fled the scene,” she said. The deceased was identified as 77-year-old Kristofina Haiduwata.
In Epukiro, Shikwambi reported a case of culpable homicide and reckless and/or negligent driving on Christmas Eve around 09:23 at Kalkpan in the Epukiro area.
“It is alleged that a sedan vehicle entered the main road from a side road without stopping, resulting in an oncoming truck colliding with the sedan on its left side. The collision killed Simon Tjituka on the spot and injured another passenger, while the sedan’s driver escaped unhurt,” she said.
The truck, which had two occupants including the driver, sustained no injuries. The injured passenger from the sedan was transported to Epukiro State Clinic for medical attention.
Further, in Rundu, Shikwambi said a case of reckless and negligent driving and failure to ascertain the nature and extent of injuries after an accident. The incident occurred on Christmas Day around 20:00 near Oceano along John Mutorwa Road.
“It is alleged that the driver of a silver Toyota Vitz hit and injured three pedestrians aged 24, 27, and 25,” she said.
She added that the driver failed to assess the condition of the injured pedestrians and drove away. Shortly after, the vehicle sideswiped an oncoming Toyota Wish with six passengers, causing shock and minor injuries to the passengers and severe damage to both vehicles.
Additional cases were reported in King Nehale, Oshikuku, Ariamsvlei, Otjiwarongo, and Kehemu.
As the festive season continues, the Namibian Police Force remains committed to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety of all road users.