Oshana Region Reports 26 Drowning Incidents in Just Five Months

The Oshana Region recorded 26 drowning incidents between January and May 2025, predominantly in February and March. Police reported that many victims were from varied age groups, and one recent case involved a 29-year-old man who drowned while fishing. In light of the rising cases, authorities urge caution in deep waters.

Fast Summary
The Oshana Region recorded 26 drowning incidents between January and May 2025, predominantly in February and March. Police reported that many victims were from varied age groups, and one recent case involved a 29-year-old man who drowned while fishing. In light of the rising cases, authorities urge caution in deep waters.

Article Body
The Oshana Region has faced a troubling rise in drowning incidents, with police confirming 26 cases from January through May 2025. The statistics reveal that the majority of these incidents transpired during the peak months of February and March. Among the total, 16 drownings were reported specifically in this two-month span. This alarming trend has provoked concern among local authorities.

Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the Oshana police commander, shed light on the age range of victims, indicating it extended from a six-year-old child to a 65-year-old pensioner. In a recent incident that heightened these worries, a 29-year-old man drowned while fishing in a dam at Oshakati.

The individual, Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo, originally hailed from Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region and worked as a domestic worker in Onawa village. On the day of the incident, he was fishing with his girlfriend when tragedy struck. According to Sakaria, Nasikambo entered the water to retrieve a fish caught in a floating cooldrink container.

As he swam, he soon found himself in trouble, calling out for help, which unfortunately came too late. His girlfriend, by the water’s edge, sought assistance, but as noted by Sakaria, rescue efforts were futile. The police’s Special Reserve Force eventually recovered his body.

In response to the increasing number of drownings, Commissioner Sakaria has issued a critical warning to the public. He emphasized the importance of avoiding deep water areas to prevent further incidents, underlining a proactive approach to ensure community safety amidst these unfortunate events.

Conclusion
The recent spate of drownings in the Oshana Region calls for urgent community awareness regarding water safety. With most incidents occurring earlier this year, it is crucial for individuals to heed safety warnings to help prevent future tragedies. As local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, the emphasis remains on protecting lives and raising awareness about water-related risks.

The recent spate of drownings in the Oshana Region calls for urgent community awareness regarding water safety. With most incidents occurring earlier this year, it is crucial for individuals to heed safety warnings to help prevent future tragedies. As local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, the emphasis remains on protecting lives and raising awareness about water-related risks.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na