Two learners from Tsumkwe Senior Secondary School (SSS) died in an accident on the Tsumkwe-Grootfontein gravel road on Monday.

The Namibian Police Force’s head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, informed Nampa that the deceased persons are Elizabeth Kambara, 18, and the 19-year-old Frans Chameia. Their relatives have been informed.
Mbeha said the accident occurred some 23 kilometres west of the Tsumkwe settlement at about 09h20 on Monday.

The 52-year-old driver lost control of the single cab pick-up with 23 occupants, who were all travelling from Mangetti Dune to Tsumkwe on the C44 road.

“It is alleged that the driver lost control over the vehicle after its left rear shaft broke while it was moving, causing it to overturn and roll several times,” said Mbeha.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that most of the occupants of the vehicle were learners returning to Tsumkwe from Mangetti Dune, where they had attended a funeral.

Mbeha said the driver and other occupants, aged between six and 67 years, were transported to Tsumkwe Clinic and the Grootfontein State Hospital, as most of them had sustained slight to serious injuries.

Police investigations continue.