KATIMA MULILO – Two men have tragically lost their lives in separate incidents in the Zambezi region over the weekend, police confirmed.
In the first incident, a 56-year-old Namibian man, Oliver Chunga Simasiku, was found dead on Saturday afternoon in the Lusu area near Katima Mulilo. Zambezi regional police spokesperson Kisco Sitali said, the deceased had reportedly left his home in Kakoma village on Friday morning to attend to his field, armed with his firearm, but never returned.
“When family members noticed he had not returned by the following day, they initiated a search, and discovered his body in the bushes,” said Sitali. Police officers who responded to the scene observed injuries to Simasiku’s stomach, and broken legs. Tracks of a hippo were also found nearby, suggesting the possibility of an animal attack. The firearm was recovered at the scene. The next of kin has been informed.
In a separate incident later the same day, a pedestrian died instantly after being hit by a truck along the Trans-Caprivi Highway near the Liyamukulo area in Kongola, also in the Zambezi region. The accident occurred around 18h30 on Friday.
The driver of an FAW truck, a 31-year-old Zambian national, was travelling east when the victim suddenly attempted to cross the road. “The pedestrian, who was running, was spotted at close range. The driver tried to swerve to the south, but unfortunately, the pedestrian also moved in the same direction and was struck by the vehicle,” said Sitali.
The victim, identified as Oscar Sitali, also a Zambian national, sustained multiple injuries and a fractured skull. He died on the spot. His age remains unknown.
The driver was found to be sober at the time of the incident, and holds a valid driver’s licence.
Police have opened a culpable homicide case, with investigations ongoing. Both tragic incidents have sent shockwaves through the affected communities, as families mourn the unexpected loss of their loved ones.