Family of slain teacher live in fear

Source: New Era Live

ONGWEDIVA - The family of slain teacher Natanael Nghihalwa said they are living in fear since there was no arrest after the murder of their relative.

They said they are no longer free at home or in public because they fear being attacked in the way Nghihalwa was killed.

"We are not safe anymore. It's not easy to lose a brother in such a way. Maybe we are also targeted," Nghihalwa's brother told New Era yesterday. Nghihalwa (39) was reportedly shot and killed by an unknown suspect during the night last month at his home in Oshikwiyu village in the Ohangwena region.

He was employed as a teacher at the Oshali West Combined School. The police at the time reported that Nghihalwa allegedly came home from his bar located in Omungwelume, and got shot while in his bedroom.

He was, however, found dead outside the room with a gunshot wound by his cousin.

Meanwhile, the family said they are disappointed by the way this case is being handled by the police.

Another relative, who prefers anonymity, said there is a man suspected to be the one who killed Nghihalwa, but nothing has been done. "The suspected man is known in the public. He knows us, and we are now scared of him," he added.

The family said they were told by the police that the suspect hasn't been arrested because there is no clear evidence.

Approached for comment, the Namibian Police's deputy commissioner for the Ohangwena region, Zachariah Amakali said they are still investigating the killing, despite having obtained several witness statements.

"We are still busy with further investigations, according to the information we obtained from members of the public," he added.

The officer stressed that there should be clear evidence to arrest a person, and investigations should also be completed.

Amakali confirmed that he didn't receive any information regarding the man suspected to have killed Nghihalwa.

"If the family has such information, they must contact me as soon as possible. We really need that information," he pleaded.

He said it is helpful when members of the public provide information to the police, as it makes the investigation process faster and smoother.

Therefore, he urged members of the public to continue giving information to the police.