Africa-Press – Namibia. IT was a day filled with tears at Oneifiyo cemetery as hundreds yesterday bid the village’s five lightning victims a final goodbye.
Hana (18) and Victoria (16) Immanuel, Matheus Lukas (4), Lutu Kaashalwa (12), and Matheus Phillipus (19) were laid to rest at the cemetery at Epembe in the Ohangwena region.
The five children died on Tuesday last week when lightning struck the hut in which they and four other children were sheltering during a storm.
Nine people were couped up in the hut.
The younger children were said to be playing, while the older ones were using their cellphones when lightning struck the hut and caused a blaze.
Five died at the scene, and four were rushed to Eenhana State Hospital, where they were treated for injuries and were counselled by social workers.
Anna Shihla, the administration officer at Epembe’s constituency office, yesterday said mourners from all over attended the funeral.
“It was a touching burial ceremony, and we are grateful to God Almighty, because many have accepted that all is in the hands of God.
“The government and the nation have helped out financially, and everything has gone well because of their contributions,” she said.
Theophilus Ndjaba, a family representative and teacher of the deceased children, said: “We are grateful and want to give thanks as the nation stood by us throughout this period of arranging the burial of our beloved children.
“They consoled us with their presence and prayers.”
Namibians from all walks of life created a WhatsApp group of contributions that garnered about N$27 945 for the funeral arrangements and burial, while the government also contributed a total of N$35 000 towards the burial to cover the cost of coffins, food and accommodation.
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