Senior councillor Solomon Karutavi Hartley of the Ovambanderu Traditional Council has died after a short illness at Opuwo on Thursday.

He was aged 78.

Senior Chief of the Ovambanderu, Erastus Tjiundikua Kahuure confirmed to Nampa that Hartley died on Thursday Hartley was admitted to the Opuwo state hospital where he was rushed to on Wednesday from his village, Oruvandjei.

“Kunene region has lost its sole who died at Opuwo at midnight at the Opuwo state hospital after a short illness,” he said, noting that they are still waiting for the Covid-19 results.

Kahuure said Hartley has been at the helm of the Ovambanderu council in the Kunene region over the past three decades, acting as a unifier while promoting the Ovambanderu traditions and believes, thus paving way for the generation to come.

He described Hartley as a true icon of the Ovambaderu community, who has been at the forefront of the council by advocating for unity and a smooth transition of governance.

Hartley took over the position of his father Kazandu Hartley.

Funeral and burial arrangements of the late Hartley is yet to be decided.

Source: Namibia Press Agency