Osino Gold Exploration & Mining has confirmed that the reburial of the remains from four historical graves exhumed from Farm Okawayo in January 2024 will take place this Saturday.

In a statement issued by the company, Osino said the decision follows “months of engagement” with the descendants of the deceased.

The company further noted that the Auchab family has now provided clear guidance on how the reburial should proceed. 

The reburial will be conducted by Nambob, the same specialist team that carried out the original exhumation. A representative from the National Heritage Council will also be present to ensure full compliance with heritage and burial laws.

The graves were exhumed on 13 January 2024; this, according to Osino, was done in line with Namibian heritage legislation and the Burials and Ordinance Act of 1966. The procedure was supervised by a specialist archaeologist and monitored by the National Heritage Council. The remains have since been kept at Nambob’s facilities in Swakopmund.

Osino stated that the upcoming reinterment will respect the family’s cultural, traditional, and religious practices, with the company covering all reasonable costs.

Osino reaffirmed its commitment to a dignified and transparent process, adding that it has worked closely with the affected families and traditional custodians for more than a year.