Okakarara: Okakarara community members, led by the town’s Swapo Party district leadership, gathered for a prayer session at the accident scene, where former Otjozondjupa governor and member of Parliament James Uerikua and his son Venturo died on 03 April 2026.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Uerikua died an active member of Parliament under the Swapo ticket on that Friday when the right rear tyre of his Toyota Land Cruiser double cab reportedly burst, causing the vehicle to overturn three times, approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Otjiwarongo along the Okakarara C22 road.

The police at the time reported that Uerikua was travelling with his family to their farming area in the Okamatapati district and was pronounced dead on the scene, while 14-year-old Venturo succumbed to his injuries in the Otjiwarongo State Hospital, where he was taken for treatment.

The gathering of over 70 community members saw the erection of a small, white-painted cross at the scene. Speaking at the event, Okakarara Swapo district coordinator, Colleen Ngujapeua, stated that the community is still in shock and saddened by the death of the 43-year-old Uerikua and his son.

The Okakarara community is advocating for the 120-kilometre stretch of the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara C22 road to be named after Uerikua. Ngujapeua mentioned that this proposal will be formally forwarded to the Roads Authority for consideration.

Following the prayer session, the community proceeded to Okakarara, where a memorial service was held in honor of the two deceased. Uerikua and his son are scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday at their home village at Gam in the Tsumkwe Constituency.