Two Karibib families in the Erongo Region are plunged into mourning following the deaths of their sister and two nieces in horrific circumstances in the town.

Josephine Nauses and her two daughters died in a blazing inferno after the makeshift shelter they were living in was set on fire.

A 25-year-old man, Mandela Mbaunguraiye, caused the fire, which also claimed his life.

23-year-old Josephine Nauses and Mbaunguraiye had been living together for about seven years. 

Nauses had a seven-year-old Regina from another relationship and a three-year-old Loide with Mandela.

It is alleged that Nauses discovered romantic text messages from another woman on her boyfriend's phone last Saturday, and when she confronted him, she was allegedly beaten. 

Nauses reported the assault to the police and asked that Mbaunguraiye be removed from the home. However, Mbaunguraiye returned the next day on two occasions.

"Around 6 o'clock, Josephine called me again. She said, 'Funa, Mandela broke the door, and he came in'. I said, 'I'm coming'. Just the moment I came outside, I could see the whole house was on fire. I ran, I kicked the door open, I ran inside, and I called her, and she responded, 'Funa, help me!'. I could hear the kids crying on the bed. I could see him holding her back so she would not escape the fire, but there was nothing I could do. I ran out, asking the neighbours to help me call the fire brigade. We tried with the water, but the gas bottle exploded, and that's where the silence came," narrates Nauses's sister, Judika Nauses, about the incident. 

Judika is shocked and traumatised over her sister's tragic death, saying she keeps hearing the agonising cries of her nieces and the deafening silence that followed a gas explosion. 

An elder sibling, Loide Nauses, who supported the family after losing their mother, described Nauses as a gentle and caring sister.

"This gender-based violence is increasing; it really has made us lose our loved ones. It's not easy. This story must get an end, this thing must get an end, and there must be a solution somewhere because we can't lose our loved ones like this. Talk out if things like these happen; little by little, small by small, it starts like that, and later it ends up big. So don't keep quiet."

The deceased's aunt, Anna Garises, explained that the family is struggling financially since the elder sibling lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She called on good Samaritans to assist in any way as the family prepare for a funeral for three people.