The Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) has agreed to pay a total of N$650 000 to a couple, Vilho and Tuyenikelao Namolo, following a civil lawsuit related to an electrocution incident that occurred in October 2023.
The settlement came nearly 11 months after then Nored acting chief executive Toivo Shovaleka wrote to the Namolo family that “Nored offers no compensation to Vilho Namolo.”
The couple filed the lawsuit in the High Court in May 2025, claiming a combined amount of N$1.3 million in damages from Nored and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) after 72-year-old Namolo was electrocuted while grazing livestock at Ouhongo village in the Ohangwena region.
The live wire that electrocuted Namolo was on the ground.
According to court documents, Namolo suffered severe electrical burns and open wounds to his arms, neck, legs, feet, and back as a result of the incident.
An out-of-court settlement was reached and signed on 11 July. It was subsequently made an order of the court yesterday.
As part of the settlement Nored agreed to pay Namolo N$550 000 while his wife, Tuyenikelao, will receive N$100 000.
The total amount will be paid in two instalments, with the first payment due by 31 August and the second by 30 September.
The settlement also includes a confidentiality clause, preventing any party from disclosing its contents to third parties, except where required by law or necessary for enforcement.
Additionally, each party will bear its own legal costs. The agreement is considered a full and final settlement, meaning no further claims may arise from the same incident.
When contacted for comment yesterday the couple’s lawyer, Slogan Matheus, declined to speak on the matter, citing confidentiality.
“The matter is confidential.
It’s unfortunate I can’t assist you. Just talk to Nored themselves,” he said.
Reached for comment, Nored board chairperson Johannes Uushini said the board was not aware of the settlement agreement but confirmed that the matter had been discussed at board level nearly two years ago.
“It’s a pure management matter. Maybe you can consult the acting chief executive, Mr Kudumo Siremo, or spokesperson Simon Lukas,” Uushini said.
Lukas could not comment on the matter.
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise on 2 August 2023 wrote to Namolo’s family that Namolo should approach Nored for compensation due to the company’s negligence during the construction, commissioning and operation of the line.
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