Mourners paid their last respects to retired Colonel John Nghipangelwa Shipoke at Ondobe in the Ohangwena Region.

Shipoke died at the age of 66 on the 19th of March.

Shipoke is a freedom fighter and veteran of the liberation struggle who went into exile in 1974.

He attended advanced infantry military training in Kongwa in Tanzania and he was eventually deployed to the frontline as a special military man.

Shipoke participated in many battles and decisive engagements with the enemy, and because of his performance, he served as a Chief of Artillery in 1982.

His contribution continued after the country's independence.

In 1990 he joined the NDF where he served in various capacities including Senior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Colonel until his retirement. 

The Head of State in the message delivered on his behalf saluted Shipoke for having fought bravery towards the total political liberation of Namibia.

Shipoke who was conferred an official funeral by the Head of State is survived by his wife and five children.