The test results of DNA, taken from four persons of interest in the murder of a young girl in Okahandja, Ingrid Maasdorp, are still being awaited.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, said the police investigation is in progress, with nine witness statements having been filed.

Iipumbu said all efforts are being made to locate the perpetrators responsible for the murder of three girls in Okahandja that sent shockwaves through the country.

In responding to questions from an MP of the Landless People's Movement, Utaara Mootu, Ipumbu said the DNA results of four individuals who are persons of interest are being awaited.

"Swabs were taken from four possible persons of interest based on the investigation carried out. So far, all the exhibits have been forwarded to the Namibian police forensic science institute. The DNA results are still outstanding from the lab. Thus far, nine witnesses' statements have been taken and obtained and are filed in the docket. However, what is important to confirm is that the investigations are continuing in the matter under the guidance of the head of the crime investigation division in the Otjozondjupa region."

The minister said the police presence had been intensified to ensure the safety of residents in Okahandja as investigations are ongoing, adding that the police are actively carrying out awareness campaigns at schools.

She added that the ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, has developed a National Safe School Framework.

"The ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MEIYSAC) and the Ministry of Gender Equality, has developed a comprehensive national safe school framework, which is issued by life skills teachers to provide safety tips to school-going children. We have also intensified the time and again operations just to make sure that our children are safe and Okahandja remains under surveillance by the police in terms of the operations that are conducted regularly."