Former Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Chief Solomon Hawala died this morning aged 89.

A statement by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs says Jesus, as he was affectionately known, died at home at Ohakweenyanga in the Oshana Region.

Hawala served as head of the NDF from 2000 until his retirement in 2006.

He left the country into exile in 1964 and underwent military training at Okongwa in Tanzania, North Korea and the Soviet Union.

Hawala served in many positions of command, including Assistant Commander to the Army Commander and Deputy Army Commander, and he was also the Swapo Party Central Committee member and Politburo.

For his outstanding leadership, Hawala was conferred with national honours.

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs conveyed its condolences to the family.