Uuvudhiya – A tragic incident occurred at an earth dam in Uuvudhiya, Oshana Region, where a 26-year-old teacher drowned during his school’s year-end function on Thursday. The teacher was employed at Uuvudhiya Primary School in Omambuku village.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, confirmed the incident on Saturday, identifying the deceased as Nentanyu Teligola Showeyapo Ashipala. Aiyambo detailed that the incident occurred while the deceased and fellow teachers were celebrating their year-end party at the local earth dam in Uuvudhiya village.

According to Aiyambo, the tragedy unfolded when Ashipala’s colleagues could not locate him after a certain point during the gathering. “Two teachers who were in the water found him submerged but lost grip of him while trying to rescue him, resulting in him disappearing under the water,” Aiyambo explained.

Despite efforts by colleagues and community members to trace Ashipala, their attempts were unsuccessful. The incident was promptly reported to Onkani Police Station, and subsequently to Oshakati Police Station. The Police Special Reserve Force was also notified of the incident.

Aiyambo reported that the divers and the investigation team managed to retrieve Ashipala’s body from the Earth Dam only on Friday. The deceased’s next of kin have been informed of the tragic event.

The Namibian Police Force is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.