Otjozondjupa: Two people died in separate road accidents in the Okahandja district of the Otjozondjupa Region over the weekend.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Namibian Police Force (NamPol) head of community affairs in the region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, reported in a media statement issued on Monday that an eight-year-old boy, identified as Hiliyepo Albertus Metusal, died on Sunday afternoon after he was allegedly struck by a vehicle while crossing the D2102 Okahandja-Ovitoto road.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the boy had gone to collect firewood with family members and was returning home when he attempted to cross the road towards the Five Rand informal settlement and was struck by the vehicle. 'The 56-year-old licensed male driver who struck him was tested for alcohol, but the result was negative. He was not arrested,' Mbeha said.

In a separate incident on Saturday night, a light blue Volkswagen Polo allegedly overturned and rolled twice on the Okahandja-Hochfeld gravel road after its 34-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle. Mbeha said the vehicle was carrying seven occupants, including the driver. 'One male passenger died at the scene, while five others, aged 23, 33, 35, 40 and 41, sustained minor injuries,' she said.

The deceased was identified by his close relatives as 32-year-old Johannes Martina Matekanje. Mbeha said the driver allegedly fled the accident scene on foot, but was found later that night hitchhiking back to Okahandja. He was taken to the Okahandja State Hospital, where he was reported to be in a stable condition. Police investigations into both accidents continue.