The death toll in last Friday's hand grenade explosion, in which two people died at their homestead in Lumina Village in the Mpacha area of the Zambezi Region, has risen to three.

The family of four—the 34-year-old father, Kashako Mulatehi, and his three children, Mulatehi Mulatehi, Yamuno Mulatehi, and Lydia Mulatehi—were all involved in the explosion.

14-year-old Yamuno Mulatehi died on the spot, while his 9-year-old sister, Lydia Mulatehi, died at the Katima Mulilo State Hospital, where they were rushed for medical care. 

Grootfontein Mayor Talitha Garises has warned parents to always ensure that they know the whereabouts of their children, as many are said to be flocking to the town's sewer ponds to swim.

Garises cautioned that the children risk contracting waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera from swimming in the ponds.

There have been cases of children drowning in sewer ponds, such as the recently reported incident at Otavi, where a nine-year-old boy died in a sewer pond.

Namibia's Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Margaret Mensah-Williams, has expressed condolences to the families of three Namibians who died in the U.S. and Canada over the past two weeks.

Ambassador Mensah-Williams announced the deaths of health workers Nelson Kondjayi Dumeni, who suffered a heart failure in Washington, DC, on December 21, and Wesley Katimba, who died on New Year's Day.

Katimba, the ambassador says, was returning from church an hour after midnight when he was hit by a car in Montreal, Canada.

President Hage Geingob says he is saddened by the death of Axali Doeseb.

The composer of the Namibian national anthem, Doeseb, died this morning at the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek following his admission last night.

Doeseb is the man who gave birth to Namibia's national anthem and its pride following a song competition.

Records have it that a number of entries were received then, and two nominations, including his, reached the final stage.

Family, friends, and former colleagues of the late Rikuetjua Tjombonde paid their last respects during his memorial and funeral services.

The nbc's Director General, Stanley Similo, was among the mourners who paid their tribute. Survived by 11 children and his wife, Veziruapi, Tjombonde was described by mourners as having lived a life well lived. He served the nbc for decades, from the time of the SWABC.

In 2009, Tjombonde was appointed manager for the Otjiwarongo contribution centre; the same year, his health became a matter of concern.

WEEKEND CRIME | The Namibian Police report four suicides and one sudden death over the weekend.

A senior citizen, 72-year-old Julius Hengombe, was found hanging from a wire under a tree at the Ojikango Ekwenya village in the Otjozondjpa Region. No suicide note was found.

26-year-old Ndara Eveline Mbava was found hanging from a tree with a piece of cloth around her neck. The incident occurred in the bushes at the Mabiye beach area next to the Kavango river.

A man who suffered a severe assault at the Onhengobe village in the Ohangwena Region died over the weekend.

24-year-old Daniel Ananias was assaulted with a stick on his forehead about a week ago and died as a result of his injuries.

In another incident, Imms Hermanus Ganaseb (22) died after he was stabbed with a knife in Swakopmund's DRC location.

The suspect (19) stabbed Ganaseb several times before he fled the scene; he was arrested the following day.

Former Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (nbc) freelancer Hermine Ndahepa Nakare has died at the age of 65.

Nakare, from Tondoro Village in the Kavango West Region, was born on February 24, 1958.

She died on July 21 after suffering a stroke.

Nakare was one of the first presenters for the RuKavango language when the nbc introduced its Indigenous TV bulletins. 

She is also a Rukwangali language expert, having taken over most of the Rukwangali translations from her late father, who was the author of many books used in schools.

Popular Democratic Movement councillor at Usakos, Aletta Katiti Sem (45), has died.

Sem served as the deputy mayor of Usakos and was also the acting Karibib Constituency Coordinator and interim chairperson of the PDM Women's League.

PDM president McHenry Venaani described the late Sem as an extraordinary individual whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Movement.

President Hage Geingob has paid tribute to Bishop Petrus Tjijombo, saying he will be remembered for his selfless service to the community and dedication to Namibia's freedom.

Dr. Geingob recollects fond memories of Bishop Tjijombo following his return from exile, as they developed a connection and friendship that have remained ever since.

Towards the end of last year, the President, together with Pastor Briaan Mbazuvara of Inner-City Congregation as well as members of the St. Apostolic Brass Band, visited Bishop Tjijombo in Katutura.