Africa-Press – Namibia. Thousands of mourners, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, filled the Mariental Stadium yesterday afternoon for the national memorial service in honour of the 16 people who lost their lives in last week’s tragic road accident, about 10 kilometres outside the town, in Hardap region.
The victims were 12 Namibian Correctional Service officers, two members of the Namibian Police, and two civilian sisters whose untimely deaths left families and the nation reeling in shock.
The service was marked by hymns, prayers, and messages of comfort as grief-stricken families, government officials, uniformed colleagues, and ordinary Namibians gathered to honour the fallen. Many were described as young and promising, who had just recently started careers in the public service. Their passing was called “an irreplaceable loss” to their families, institutions, and the country.
Delivering the keynote address, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the nation is still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“We gather here this morning as a nation in deep shock, with disbelief and profound sadness, as we confront the tragic road accident which claimed 17 precious lives of our nation on Saturday, 30 August 2025,” she said.
“Among them were men and women in uniform from the Namibian Police Force and the Namibia Correctional Service, as well as two civilian sisters and the unborn baby. Their sudden loss has shaken us all.”
The President extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stressed that the entire country shares in their grief.
“Namibia has not only lost men and women in uniform; we have lost citizens, family members, breadwinners, and future leaders of our Republic. We do not only stand in solidarity with you, we walk this painful journey together as a nation,” said the President.
She, however, urged Namibians to draw lessons from the tragedy.
“In this hour of grief, let us remember that every life is precious, and every decision on our roads carries consequences. This tragedy must strengthen our collective commitment to road safety and caution,” she said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah assured the families the government, together with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, will ensure dignified burials for all victims. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security was expediting the issuance of documents to facilitate funeral arrangements.
She added that psychosocial support teams had been dispatched to Mariental to assist grieving families, survivors, and colleagues. “Emotional healing is as important as physical recovery. I encourage all affected to make use of this vital support,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also extended condolences to the bereaved families of two other officers who died in the line of duty at Walvis Bay and Rundu last week.
“We are providing all the necessary support and assistance through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, such as the swift issuance of death certificates and burial removal documents to facilitate the transportation of the remains to their respective designated places of burial,” Nandi-Ndaitwah assured.
Minister of home affairs, Lucia Iipumbu, also expressed her condolences.
In her tribute, she cautioned the members of the public to refrain from sharing sensitive accident images.
Hardap governor’s tribute
Earlier, Hardap regional governor Rian McNab described the accident as “a devastating blow” to the civil service and the nation at large.
“To lose them so suddenly and under such tragic circumstances is a pain words cannot soothe. But today, as we gather with bowed heads and heavy hearts, we do not mourn as those without hope. We mourn as one nation, united in grief and love.”
McNab reminded bereaved families that they were not alone. “No words can undo the pain or fill the emptiness left behind. But please know, you do not walk this valley alone. The people of Hardap, the correctional and police services, and the entire Namibian nation grieve with you.”
He also encouraged surviving officers to honour the memory of their colleagues through dedicated service. “May their lives inspire renewed commitment to duty and unity,” he said.
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