Africa-Press – Namibia. The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has pledged to cover the burials in full and provide financial support for the dependants of the 16 people who lost their lives in Saturday’s tragic crash near Mariental.
Announcing the intervention at a media briefing in Windhoek, the fund’s chief executive officer Rosalia Haufiku said the organisation had already assumed financial responsibility the moment the accident was reported. “All funeral expenses will be paid for, and dependants of the deceased, including children and spouses, will be assisted through loss-of-support benefits,” the CEO said.
She said the fund has put in place an immediate N$7 000 funeral grant per victim, which will be released within half an hour of the required documents, death certificates and post-mortem reports being processed.
In addition to covering burial costs, the fund will provide longer-term financial relief. Children and spouses of the deceased qualify for annual loss-of-support benefits of up to N$100 000. The fund will also cover all medical expenses for the four officers who survived but remain hospitalised in Windhoek, including ongoing hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and possible loss of income. During the press conference, the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, confirmed the names of the 16 deceased, after their next of kin were notified.
Memorial service
An official memorial service for all 16 victims will take place tomorrow, (3 September), at 11h00 at the Mariental Sports Field.
“Every life is precious, and the loss of so many lives at once is a national tragedy that leaves us all shaken,” Iipumbu said. “May the souls of our fallen officers and civilians rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength in this time of sorrow.”
She also urged the public to respect the memory of the deceased by refraining from sharing disturbing images of the crash on social media. “Such actions cause additional pain to grieving families and dishonour the memory of our colleagues,” she warned.
Compassion
As investigations into the accident continue, authorities emphasised that this period should be about compassion and solidarity.
Minister Iipumbu summed up the national mood, saying: “While we search for answers, let us remember that now is the time for compassion, solidarity and prayer. The nation stands with the grieving families.”
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