By: Kelvin Chiringa
The Namibian Police has said that there will not be any death certificates issued for victims of road accidents whose identities have not yet been identified via DNA.
“The reality of the situation is that DNA analysis is a costly process, as explained in the past on many media platforms. The NPFSI indeed receives some funding from the government for, amongst other things, purchasing kits of DNA reagents and screening kits. However, when unforeseen horrific accidents that require DNA occur, the NPFSI DNA operations are always affected,” said the police.
Head of communications, Deputy Inspector Kauna Shikwambi, has said due to the insufficient dedicated budget being allocated for DNA, a backlog to the tune of 4 000 cases has accumulated.
She said these cases include serious murders and rapes, of which a large majority are in court or under investigation.
“In regard to the subject matter, unfortunately, due to legal implications, death certificates cannot be issued for individuals who have not yet been identified, and due to the circumstances of the accident, DNA is the only accurate method for making such identification.
“The horrific accident involving a Quantum and Polo vehicle last year, on the 10th of December 2021 on the Okahandja/Otjiwarongo main road causing the death of 15 people, sent shock waves in the society. This accident occurred amidst the law enforcers’ campaign against road accidents, injuries and fatalities.
“It is saddening indeed, and therefore, first of all, the Namibian police force reiterates its sincere sympathy and condolences for the families who lost their loved ones in this horrific accident,” she said.
The past festive season was scarred by two horrific crashes, which saw 18 perishing along the Okahandja/Otjiwarongo road, some burnt beyond recognition.
In the meantime, the Namibian police have said that there has been a marked increase in cases of robberies right across the country.
This week, two cases were reported in Okahandja, leading to 9 arrests, although no money was recovered.
A 27-year-old security guard was attacked by three men while taking money from an Agra DIY store opposite the main store in Okahandja.
He was stabbed in the back while wrestling with the suspects who got away with a Volkswagen hatchback.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery.
A 49-year-old man said to be the robbery mastermind was also nabbed at the Five Rand location in Okahandja, while two more got arrested on the 19th of January 2022 in Windhoek.
One of the suspects had a gunshot wound in the left upper shoulder and got hospitalised.
Four more people got arrested in Okahandja by Wednesday this week, including the vehicle owner.
