The late Headman of Oshikoto's Onelago Village Sam Nepando was buried at Onamutene on Saturday.
  
Nepando was fatally shot to death a week ago following a land dispute.
 
Mourners, including traditional, political, and church leaders, attended the memorial service of the late headman, who was killed on the second day of the New Year at Iikokola.
 
During the memorial service at the late headman's homestead at Iikokola Village, Ondonga Traditional Authority, Omukwaniilwa Nangolo Shuumbwa described Nepando as a dedicated and fearless leader.
 
 "So someone informed me that a gentleman by the name of Sam Nepando was looking for me, so I asked them to bring him to me. When he came to me, he said that 'My father, I don't have much; I just came by to visit you and tell you that I've accepted the role of headman for the Onelugo village, and I will fulfill my duties just like my forefathers. I have accepted that you're my king'. I've known him as a fearless man who never gives up; his appearance is welcoming, and he is always smiling. He was smart and caring, and that is what I saw in him. Every time he sees me, he always has good advice to share."
  
Shuumbwa also proposed for the establishment of the Ondonga Children's Fund in honour of the late Nepando's legacy.
 
The fund will assist children in need within the Ondonga jurisdiction.
 
The Oshikoto Region Governor Sacky Kathindi, who was a close friend to the deceased, made a plea for peace, reminding the mourners that violence, which claimed Nepando's life, was never a solution to conflict.
 
"Under the heavy cloud of sorrow, pain, and disbelief, we are laying to rest one of our own, the son of the soil, the servant of the people, the custodian of peace, the late Sam Nepando. To me, it's not an ordinary burial; it's a moment that pierced our hearts, shaken our community, and wounded our nation. We stand here not only to mourn the passing of the leader. And Ondonga traditional authority, we mourn with you."
 
The atmosphere was filled with reflection and gratitude as the family of the late Nepando honoured his memory.
 
His daughters also shared their fond memories.
 
"Our Father had a very special way of greeting people. When he asked how you were, he truly meant it. He would ask you once, but he would ask again just to be sure you are really fine," Joyce Nepando reflected.
 
"Our father was more than the roles he occupied in life. He was a guiding presence, a source of quiet strength, and a man whose values were expressed through his actions. A man of wise words, a man of true words, and a man of few words," Jolly Nepando added.
 
A group named "Omandengu," to which Nepando was a member, escorted the body for burial.

The 53-year-old late Nepando is survived by his wife, Kornelia, and five children.