Child Drownings Rise in Northern Namibia: A Tragic Loss for the Community
Tragic drownings of 11-year-old Volkmar Kahana and 6-year-old Nhawa Jonas in northern Namibia underline the pressing issue of child safety. Volkmar drowned while attempting to rescue Jonas in a pond. Local authorities are addressing this issue through community education to prevent future incidents.
The tragic event of child drownings in northern Namibia has come to light with the case of 11-year-old Volkmar Kahana, whose absence is felt keenly in his Grade 5D classroom at Oshakati West Primary School. Volkmar, alongside a Grade 1 student, Nhawa Jonas, both drowned in a recent incident when they attempted to rescue each other in a pond where they were fishing.
According to the school principal, Volkmar and his sister first saw Jonas struggling in the water. In a brave attempt to save him, Volkmar jumped into the pond, but tragically, both boys drowned. Volkmar’s sister returned home to call for help when she observed that he had not resurfaced, but by the time assistance arrived, it was already too late.
“He was very bright, very quiet. He had a promising future ahead of him when it comes to academics. He would get awards,” the principal noted, underscoring the loss felt by the community. Volkmar was laid to rest yesterday in Oshakati, mourning the potential that has been lost.
Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, representing the Oshana police, confirmed that the bodies of the two boys were recovered from the pond by the Special Reserve Force. Furthermore, Commissioner Ismael Basson of the Omusati region informed The Namibian that local police are holding community engagement sessions aimed at educating families about drowning risks, especially concerning children.
Commissioner Basson indicated that four child abuse cases involving drownings are currently pending in court, attributing these incidents to children being left unsupervised while caretakers attend shops or work on farms. He emphasized the critical need for adult supervision to prevent such tragic occurrences.
In conclusion, the heartbreaking drownings of Volkmar Kahana and Nhawa Jonas highlight the urgent issue of child safety in northern Namibia. The tragic incident has prompted local authorities to conduct educational initiatives aimed at preventing further drownings by ensuring that children are not left unsupervised in perilous situations. It remains essential for guardians to prioritize child supervision to safeguard against future tragedies.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
