Hardap Governor Riaan McNab has described the sharing of accident images on social media as unacceptable and appealed to the public to refrain from such behaviour. 

Governor McNab’s call follows the circulation of disturbing video footage showing the aftermath of an accident that claimed the lives of 16 people, including Namibian Correctional Services officers, police personnel, and two civilians.

"Our social media users, we want to, with all sincerity and urgency, warn them to not publish information at accident scenes. This is very insensitive, especially when family members have not been informed yet. And this is unacceptable, so I am pleading with the public out there, especially my residents of the Hardap Region, to be careful with social media in terms of publishing bodies of deceased family members who are involved in accident scenes," said McNab. 

He further called on the public to "refrain from that so that the relevant media outlets can take time, the relevant authorities can take time to respond, and families can be contacted respectfully. After that, we will ensure justice is served and show respect to the families who have lost their loved ones."

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security also expressed similar concerns, pleading with the nation to show respect to the loved ones of those who died in the accident in this time of grief.

The accident occurred after the police and correctional service vans collided head-on yesterday morning. A few hours after the accident, the governor convened a meeting with the regional leadership and clergy to discuss ways of supporting the grieving families. 

"Our follow-up stakeholder meeting will be conducted on Monday, and we offer sincere support and assistance to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones."

McNab also paid condolences to the bereaved families and wished those hospitalised a speedy recovery.