Petrus Johannes, the grandfather of the 11-year-old Penombili Ndemuyandjela, who died after falling from a roof, has described his death as a huge loss to the family.

Penombili was playing soccer with friends when the ball landed on the roof of a shack structure at his home in the Otaambembunya Village in Oshikoto.

The Grade 4 learner at Onamishu Combined School climbed to retrieve the ball but sustained an injury on his right arm after a zink cut him and eventually slipped off.

Johanness described his grandson's death as tragic.

“He was a helpful and hardworking child who was always eager to help me and do chores around the house during weekends.”

Neighbours and family members recounted the day.

“His friends came to call me at around 17h00. I called his grandfather, who was not at home at the time. We then contacted someone who owned a vehicle, but he told us he did not have fuel. The clinic and hospital are very far from here. He remained responsive until around 19h00. He did not deserve to die in such a manner. Later, we noticed that he had stopped breathing,” added a neighbour, Linea Namhadi.

The nearest health facility is 10 kilometers away.

His teacher, Tulonga Haidula paid tribute to the learner.

“He was energetic, performed well academically, and enjoyed participating in activities such as spelling bees and quizzes. They were preparing to attend a debating session. The other learners were deeply saddened, especially those who used to play with him, but after receiving counselling from the life skills teacher, they are coping better.”

Eengodi Constituency Councillor Saara Shikokola visited the bereaved family.