Tragedy has struck the Ohangwena Region after two separate fire incidents claimed the lives of two women.

In the most recent incident at Onhuno, a thirty-two-year-old woman died after allegedly locking herself inside a burning corrugated-iron room on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, police are investigating another fatal blaze at Enghandja village that claimed the life of a sixty-six-year-old woman over the weekend.

The incident occurred at Onhuno on Monday morning around 07:00. 

Preliminary police reports indicate the thirty-two-year-old woman identified as Ndahafa Kamali, who worked as a local shop attendant, had previously expressed suicidal thoughts and survived an attempted suicide just last week.

Witnesses say she was seen collecting matches, claiming she intended to burn rubbish near her quarters.

Minutes later, neighbours noticed thick smoke billowing from the corrugated-iron room. Community members rushed to rescue the woman, but their efforts were thwarted as she had allegedly locked the door from the inside. Investigations reveal she had not slept in the room the previous night and was dropped off by a taxi shortly before the incident.

Ohangwena Constituency Councillor Seraphine Shekunyenge expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young life and urged citizens battling severe emotional pressure to reach out for mental health intervention.

"This incident is hurting and has affected us severely. More especially, you are the young person who is said to have suicidal thoughts. I want to urge young people that if they have any problems troubling them, they should seek counselling. It will help; we can also help."

In a separate incident over the weekend, a sixty-six-year-old woman died after her room caught fire at Enghandja village on Saturday. 

The victim, who was burnt beyond recognition, has been identified as Rosalia Taukondjele. 

Police investigations into the cause of the second blaze continue.