The remains of three Auchab family members were reburied at Karibib after they were exhumed by the Osino Resources Mine at the farm.

The remains of the fourth relative are still kept at a Swakopmund mortuary.

The reburial follows nearly two years after Osino Resources – the company operating a gold mining project on Okawayo Farm, about 10 kilometres outside Karibib – exhumed five historical graves on 13 January last year.

The exhumation was carried out in accordance with Namibian heritage legislation and the Burials Ordinance, with oversight from the National Heritage Council, relevant ministries, and a specialist archaeologist appointed on the advice of the council.

Although the Karibib Municipality had allocated four graves for the Auchab family, one set of remains has stayed in the care of Nambob.

"The one part of the Auchab family – because of these disagreements – withheld the remains of Celinde for a reason only known to them, but the other party, which is the main one, the grandmother, grandfather, as well as !Ais have been laid to rest," said family representative Hans Stramiss.

Archaeologist Dr. Alma Nankela played a central role throughout the process, advising that all remains from the site should be handled and reinterred according to heritage guidelines and emphasising that they should be buried together.

"Because in our African culture, the elders protect the children; they take the children on the journey, so the separation of this child is very painful, even to the Namibian government. It will be ideal if he's brought and buried with the elders and with the other child; then we will have completed our mission."

Representatives from Osino Mining attended the ceremony, describing it as a deeply emotional yet significant moment.

Werner Schuckmann, the Country Director, said Osino is committed to ensuring a dignified, respectful, and lawful reburial process and therefore covered all reasonable costs involved.

"We at Osino are very, very glad to close this matter, and it really shows that between government institutions, the heritage council, the private sector and the community. If all parties demonstrate goodwill and are willing to listen and resolve our differences, we can achieve significant progress. I am deeply happy and grateful that we have successfully completed this process."

The remains of the April family member were already reburied in February of this year.

With three Auchab relatives now buried and the April family member already reburied earlier this year, the family says they hope the remaining remains will also be brought home to complete the journey for all five ancestors.