Between January and May 2025, the Oshana Region police reported 26 drowning incidents, with the majority occurring in February and March.

Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the Namibian Police Commander in Oshana, shared in an interview with Nampa on Monday that 16 of these drowning deaths happened during February and March alone.

 The victims ranged in age from six years old to 65 years old.

The most recent tragedy involved a 29-year-old man from Katima Mulilo, identified as Mukelebai Herre Nasikambo, who drowned while fishing in a man-made dam at Oshakati on Saturday. He worked as a domestic worker in Onawa Village.

Sakaria reported that Nasikambo was with his girlfriend when the incident occurred at the Omatale Gakatumale man-made dam. 

It is believed he entered the water to retrieve a fish that had become caught in a floating, empty cooldrink container.

 He soon became exhausted and called for help from his companion, who was on the shore. 

Unfortunately, assistance arrived too late.

Divers from the police's Special Reserve Force recovered Nasikambo's body.

In response to this and other incidents, Sakaria urged the public to avoid deep water to prevent further tragedies.