Africa-Press – Namibia. Onelago village headman Sam Nepando was shot and killed during a dispute hearing in the Oshikoto region on Friday, while Iikokola village headman and the executive director of the National Planning Commission, I-Ben Nashandi, was injured and is recovering in hospital.
The incident was confirmed by Oshikoto regional police commander commissioner Ndeshipanda Iifo on Friday.
The Ondonga Traditional Authority has strongly condemned the shooting, which occurred during a traditional community court session at Iikokola village.
In a statement issued on Friday, the authority said the incident took place on the morning of 2 January during a duly constituted dispute resolution session of the Iikokola Community Court, convened in line with the Community Courts Act and the Traditional Authorities Act.
According to the statement, Nashandi and Nepando were carrying out their customary duties when a known party to the dispute allegedly opened fire.
As a result, Nashandi sustained serious injuries, while Nepando was fatally wounded.
The authority described the killing as a senseless act and said it is mourning the loss of a dedicated and exemplary young leader.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this attack on our leaders and on the sanctity of customary justice. Violence has no place in our communities,” the statement reads.
The authority extended condolences to the Nepando family and the broader Ondonga community and called for calm, unity, and respect for the rule of customary and national law.
“The legacy of our fallen leader will endure through our collective resolve to uphold justice without fear or violence,” the statement says.
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka, a family friend, has also confirmed the shooting incident.
“He [Nashandi] is in stable condition at a local hospital,” he states
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