The Otjozondjupa Police have confirmed, following forensic tests, that three of the five people who died in a car accident last month were indeed the Tsaraxa-Aibes Primary School teachers.

Their deaths have left the school and the wider community in mourning.

In honour of their lives and service, members of the Otjiwarongo community gathered at Swanevelder Hall for a mass memorial to pay tribute to the three educators who died in the tragic accident.

The emotional gathering brought together learners, parents, relatives, fellow teachers and community members, all united in grief as they remembered the teachers for their dedication, care, and commitment to education.

Also in attendance were school principals from across the Otjozondjupa Region, family members of the deceased, and senior officials from the education sector, reflecting the deep impact the loss has had not only on the school but on the region as a whole.

"They even wanted to improve their qualifications at an institution of higher learning, and they were on their way back after registration. How painful, though. All I tell the parents during this most difficult time is to let God keep them through because it is a battle that we have to fight. Let God give them the courage," said Governor ||Khamuseb.

Junior Primary Head of Department Belinda Himavizu recalled the events of that Tuesday when the three teachers travelled to Windhoek.

"The memory they left me with is the assurance that they will come back that Tuesday, Miss Veronica and Miss Aukus serving on the same committee and with a programme that was supposed to take place on 19 March. Sitting in my office, I asked, 'If you are going, who's going to help me to finish the programme?' They said, 'We assure you we are coming back on Thursday. Thursday will be with you'."

Unfortunately, the accident that took their lives occurred on Thursday, 19 March.

Tsaraxa-Aibes Primary School Principal Max Shapalala stated that the tragic incident also serves as a valuable lesson, particularly for school principals..

"Dear principals, sometimes we take shortcuts, such as not writing a letter to the director to request permission. Some of us don't want to do that, and we'll take a shortcut. This exercise taught me that even if I have to transport letters from my school to Mokati Stadium in the official vehicle, I should do the right thing as a principal, and that is to make sure that every necessary protocol is followed."

Tributes were shared in honour of the three women, who are remembered not only as teachers but also as mentors, carers, and pillars of the school community.

Mass counselling was also provided to teachers to help them cope with the trauma and emotional impact of losing their colleagues.

Two of the teachers will be buried on Saturday, while the third will be buried the following weekend.