In a deeply distressing incident that has reverberated throughout the Eenkundi-Okando village, a 37-year-old man who was struggling with mental health challenges died when he was engulfed by flames while being restrained to a bed.

This tragic event has drawn attention to the contentious practise of shackling individuals afflicted with mental disorders, particularly when their condition worsens.

Nepembe was born with a condition that tends to worsen when he consumes alcohol.

On that particular Saturday afternoon, he returned home intoxicated. Following their usual practise, a 14-year-old family member restrained him by chaining him to his bed, aiming to manage his behaviour.

Tragically, the situation took an unexpected turn when the traditional hut caught fire.

The investigations are currently in their preliminary stages to determine the cause of the fire.

Throughout his life, the deceased had been restrained by his family as a precautionary measure against potential harm to others or instances of theft and property damage.

One of his aunts and carers revealed that the family had made every effort to care for him to the best of their abilities.

"We were asking the government to assist us by taking care of him even at the hospital so that he can also assist with odd jobs, but they refused, saying he is our responsibility. What should we do? We owe so many people as a family because of the things he has stolen and damaged over the past decades."

When the government offers appropriate accommodations for individuals with mental challenges, it will guarantee their well-being and protect them from such unfortunate situations.

Dr. Asumani Kibandwa, the Chief Medical Officer in the Oshana Region, says it is the wish of the regional Directorate of Health to provide housing for mental health patients.

However, he says there are constraints due to limited available accommodations and a shortage of personnel.

"Most of them, we don't want them in our houses; we don't want them in our communities; we want them back to the hospital. With a hospital of 100 beds and a bed occupancy of more than 100%, we cannot take all these patients and bring them here. Secondly, we are spending quite a lot because they have to stay here; we have to feed them."

Omusati Police Regional Commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, says chaining people, whether they are mentally stable or not, is unlawful.

"We are going to investigate, and if anybody is found to have been negligent in any way, the law will take its course because these are the people that, as law enforcement, we need to make sure are protected because they cannot protect themselves."

This incident serves as yet another poignant reminder of the urgent necessity for heightened awareness surrounding mental health issues and the development of comprehensive support systems tailored to individuals facing these difficulties.