A deadly long weekend on Namibia’s roads has claimed 15 lives, intensifying concerns over the country’s growing road safety crisis.

On 29 April, eight people died in a head-on collision between Arandis and Swakopmund.

Statistics from 30 April to 4 May show that the Khomas Region recorded the highest number of crashes, with 16 incidents, while Otjozondjupa Region recorded the highest fatalities, with 11 deaths out of the total 15.

Erongo and Omusati Regions both recorded six crashes each. Erongo had two fatalities, while Omusati and Oshikoto each recorded one death.

In terms of injuries, Khomas and Erongo each recorded 28, Oshana 18, and Omusati 10.

Although crashes involving animals accounted for only five incidents, they were the deadliest, causing 12 deaths.

Several regions including Karas, Hardap, Kavango East and West, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Oshana, and Zambezi recorded no fatalities during this period.
The latest figures bring Namibia’s road death toll to 170 since the start of the year up to 3 May.

Senior Manager for Accident and Injury Prevention at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), Ruben Uupindi, is urging motorists to change their attitudes on the road.

He emphasized obeying traffic rules, avoiding blame on others or weather conditions, and taking personal responsibility.

“What we observed is that several passenger transport vehicles were involved, including combis and a new bus near Oshivelo. This involves public passenger transport but also those operating for a fee. It is a concern for everyone. This should be a wake-up call for all Namibians to take road safety seriously,” Uupindi said.

The MVA Fund’s mandate is to provide support and benefits to people injured in road crashes and the dependents of those who lose their lives, while promoting road safety and crash prevention nationwide.

Its emergency toll number is 9682.