Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi on Wednesday visited the bereaved family of four people who died in a vehicle accident last Friday between Oshigambo and Onethindi.

The victims were travelling from Nkurenkuru, Kavango West Region, to their village.

Speaking at the family's residence in Omuthiya Constituency's Okaale village, Kathindi said road crashes are becoming a concern and called on road users to be cautious on the road.

"It is unfortunate; we just came to show our respect as an office and person to show that we are together with the family; we are mourning together. This news is not only affecting Oshikoto residents but also the Namibians at large; our roads are becoming something of concern."

It is alleged that a double-cab bakkie was travelling from Onethindi towards Oshigambo and collided head-on with the seven-seater travelling from the opposite direction.

Five passengers from the seven-seater died on the spot, including the driver and one-month-old twins, while another passenger was declared dead at the hospital.

The six passengers from the bakkie sustained injuries. The deceased were identified as Johannes Nelongo (44), Elina Hangolo (27), Secilia Naukala (26), Ester Shilemba (45), and Mandume and Ndilokelwa Johannes (1 month), with one yet to be identified.

Omuthiya Constituency Councillor Erastus Nekomba also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, describing it as a loss for them.

"It is the attitude of the drivers, and lives will be cut short if we do not change. I urge drivers to be considerate when driving."

The deceased's relatives said the news came as a shock.

One of the deceased, Elina Hangolo, who is the mother of the twins, was a final-year student nurse at Welwitchia University at Nkurenkuru and was expected to commence her practical lessons this week at Onandjokwe Hospital. Her elder sister, Ester Shilemba, was her babies' carer at the time.

Victim's aunt said Elina was a joyful person who laughed at all times, while Ester, who was the eldest sister, was responsible, caring and helpful to the mother, siblings and household.

Cousin Matheus Shiweda expressed, "This is very bad news that hit our family. I was at my friend's wedding as his best man when I received the news that there was an accident and our sisters were involved. It was a very bad experience to go in that mortuary and search for our beloved bodies. We did our best even to plead to the nation to help us out, with some people coming through. We do appreciate that."

Oshikoto Police Regional Commissioner Ndafudha Iifo confirmed the incident, saying seven fatalities have been recorded.