Rundu: Military Base commander Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Shilongo Mbangu stated that the explosive device in the Mavanze village incident has been destroyed, while investigations continue to determine the type of device that detonated and injured two boys. Two boys aged 13 and 14 were seriously injured on Sunday afternoon after an explosive device detonated while they were allegedly playing with it at Mavanze village, about 10 kilometres south of Rundu near the Rundu Military Base.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Namibian Police Force's crime investigations coordinator for the Kavango regions, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the explosion occurred around 17h00. The boys sustained injuries to their arms, stomachs, and legs and were rushed to the Rundu State Hospital, where they remain in serious but stable condition.

Commander Mbangu, in an interview on Monday, said that military officials visited the scene and destroyed the object involved in the incident while investigations continue to determine the type of device that detonated. "This morning we sent experts to determine the type of object the boys were playing with," Mbangu said.

He revealed that the military and police had recently planned a community awareness campaign two weeks ago on the dangers of explosive devices, particularly for residents living near the military base. The outreach programme, initially scheduled for 08 May, was postponed after the village headman travelled to attend a funeral. "Unfortunately, this incident happened before the awareness campaign," Mbangu said.

According to Mbangu, many explosive devices still found in the area date back to the South African colonial era, when the zone was used for military operations. "When the South African forces left, they did not properly clear the area," he said, adding that experts would be brought in to assist with clearing unexploded devices.

Mbangu also disclosed that hand grenades were discovered near the military base four weeks ago, noting that the area previously served as a buffer zone and grenade training range. He urged members of the public not to touch suspicious objects or collect scrap metal near military bases, warning that unexploded devices may still be present in the area.