A 45-year-old woman was raped and brutally murdered in Tsumkwe at Otjozondjupa Region.

This was confirmed by Otjozondjupa Regional Community Liaison officer, Inspector Maureen Mbeha today.

According to Mbeha, the deceased has been identified as /Koce /Ukxa.

/Ukxa’s body was found in a pool of blood between the Swapo and nbc offices at the settlement on 27 January, shortly after 08h00.

Mbeha says the preliminary investigation reveals that the deceased was raped and then murdered. Two suspects aged 27 and 30 years old respectively have since been arrested and charged with rape and murder.

The suspects are to appear before the Tsumkwe Magistrate Court next week Monday.

The next of Kin are informed and police investigations are underway.

In other news in the region, the police have opened a case of reckless and negligent driving, driving without a license, and overloading of a vehicle against a driver of a sedan in which three people died.

Mbeha says the vehicle's rear right tire burst causing it to overturn between Gross Barmen and Okahandja at 15:00 on Friday.

Three passengers who were employees of NWR have been identified as Antoinette Smith, 39, Jobson Kapiye, 29, and 24-year-old Ronaldo Mutendere, who died instantly.

Three other occupants suffered severe injuries and are admitted at Okahandja State Hospital. They were en route to Okahandja after their shift at the lodge. A 34-year-old driver who sustained slight injuries has since been arrested.

Next of kin are all informed and investigations continue.