Rising Child Drowning Incidents in Northern Namibia Prompt Urgent Action
The tragic drownings of 11-year-old Volkmar Kahana and 6-year-old Nhawa Jonas in northern Namibia highlight alarming safety issues regarding children’s supervision. Local authorities are conducting educational initiatives to address these concerns, particularly related to children being left alone, which has led to multiple drownings.
In the Grade 5D classroom at Oshakati West Primary School, the absence of 11-year-old Volkmar Kahana is palpably felt. His desk remains empty, signifying a future that was abruptly halted due to a tragic drowning incident.
Volkmar drowned alongside 6-year-old Nhawa Jonas last Saturday. The school principal recounted that both boys were fishing when they witnessed Jonas struggling in a pond. Volkmar bravely jumped into the water to save him, yet tragically, both boys perished in the attempt.
Volkmar’s sister alerted an older sibling when he did not resurface, but their efforts came too late. The principal lamented, “[Volkmar] was very bright, very quiet. He had a promising future ahead of him when it comes to academics. He would get awards.”
Volkmar was laid to rest yesterday in Oshakati. Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo of the Oshana police reported that both bodies were recovered from the pond by members of the Special Reserve Force.
In response to the increasing incidents of child drownings, Omusati Regional Commander Commissioner Ismael Basson noted that police are organizing community engagements and educational sessions. He stated, “The drownings where minors are involved is as a result of [children] being left alone in the house while parents, guardians or caretakers were either at the cucashops or cultivating their fields.”
Additionally, Basson pointed out that there are four cases of child abuse currently before the court, highlighting the urgent need for supervision of children to prevent such tragedies.
The drowning of Volkmar Kahana and Nhawa Jonas underscores a significant safety concern for children in Namibia. The continued incidence of child drownings, particularly when minors are left unsupervised, necessitates immediate community education and increased parental vigilance. Local authorities are actively addressing this crisis through community outreach and awareness efforts.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
