Ohangwena: An 88-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her grandson at Oshikuyu village in the Ohangwena Region. The tragic incident occurred around 10h00 at the village in the Omungwelume area.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Namibian Police Force Crime Investigations Coordinator for Ohangwena, Deputy Commissioner Melanie Mbuuru, stated that the suspect, a 26-year-old man believed to be mentally ill, allegedly used a panga to attack his family members, including two children aged seven and 14. The suspect reportedly pushed his grandmother into a fire after arriving home from Tsumeb the previous day and spending the night.

Mbuuru detailed that the suspect removed poles from a traditional kraal and set them on fire at the traditional fire assembly point. He allegedly assaulted his grandmother by holding her by the neck before taking out a panga to attack his seven-year-old nephew. Another victim, the suspect's niece, was also injured when she attempted to intervene; she was hacked on the head and subsequently ran to the police to report the incident.

Mbuuru indicated there was no quarrel or fight preceding the attack, suggesting the suspect abruptly attacked his family. All three victims were initially taken to Omungwelume Clinic and later transferred to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital. The grandmother succumbed to her injuries from severe burn wounds.

The suspect was arrested and is currently under observation in the psychiatric department at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital. The police are investigating charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson under the Domestic Violence Act 4/2003.