Surge in Child Drownings in Northern Namibia Raises Safety Concerns

In northern Namibia, drownings of children have surged, highlighted by the deaths of 11-year-old Volkmar Kahana and 6-year-old Nhawa Jonas. Volkmar drowned while trying to rescue Jonas, raising concerns about child safety and supervision. Regional authorities are implementing community engagement to address these issues, as four related cases of child abuse are currently in court.

The recent tragic drowning incidents in northern Namibia have garnered significant attention, most notably the loss of Volkmar Kahana, an 11-year-old who died while attempting to rescue a 6-year-old boy, Nhawa Jonas. Both children drowned in a pond during a fishing outing. Volkmar’s actions reflect his bravery; however, it underscores a serious issue concerning child safety. The school principal noted Volkmar’s potential, stating he was academically bright and had a promising future ahead.

After the incident, Volkmar’s sister attempted to seek help when he failed to resurface. Unfortunately, it was too late, and both boys had already perished. Volkmar was laid to rest at Oshakati the day following the incident, marking a somber moment for his classmates and faculty who felt his absence keenly. The police retrieved the bodies from the pond with the assistance of the Special Reserve Force.

In response to these incidents, the Omusati regional commander, Ismael Basson, highlighted the necessity of community engagement and education on drowning prevention. He stressed that many drowning cases occur when children are left unsupervised while caretakers attend to other responsibilities, such as grocery shopping or farming. Currently, four cases of child abuse related to child drownings are pending in the courts. Basson pointed out the urgency in addressing these alarming trends to protect vulnerable children.

The recent child drownings in northern Namibia, particularly the tragic case of Volkmar Kahana and Nhawa Jonas, emphasize the critical need for greater awareness and preventive measures regarding child safety. Community education and active engagement are vital to combat the risks associated with leaving children unattended, particularly around water. Immediate action and support structures can help avert further tragedies.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na