The family of the late headman of Onelago Village in the Onayena Constituency of the Oshikoto Region, Sam Nepando, is struggling to come to terms with his death.

Nepando was fatally shot while carrying out his duties to resolve a land dispute.

The incident occurred on Friday at Iikokola village in the Onayena Constituency, where Nepando and Iikokola village headman I-Ben Nashandi, joined by seven eyewitnesses, were presiding over a formal mediation meeting. The suspect had allegedly extended his fence without permission.

Eyewitnesses say that at the meeting's start, during introductions, the suspect suddenly drew a firearm from his jacket and fired at Nashandi, causing panic as those present scattered. The suspect then fired a second shot, striking Nepando, who died instantly at the scene.

Nashandi survived the shooting but sustained injuries. He is recovering at Onandjokwe District Hospital after emergency surgery.

Dr. Juno Nashandi, a resident of Iikokola village and the headman's twin brother, condemned the shooting as a senseless act of violence.

Eyewitnesses say the incident highlights the growing dangers faced by traditional leaders. They have called for land disputes to be handled peacefully, with structured and secure processes to prevent similar tragedies.

Residents described Nepando as a peaceful and fair leader who strongly believed in dialogue and amicable solutions when resolving disputes among his subjects.