The Otjiwarongo community on Thursday paid tribute to three teachers who lost their lives in a road accident between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo on 19 March.
A mass memorial service for the teachers, who were all working at Tsaraxa-Aibes Primary School at Otjiwarongo, brought together the bereaved families, colleagues, pupils and the community.
Otjozondjupa regional police spokesperson senior inspector Maureen Mbeha earlier said the driver of a grey sedan was attempting to avoid guinea fowl on the road, swerved into the right-hand lane, and collided head-on with an oncoming double-cab bakkie.
The deceased teachers are Veronika Hoaes (33), Aina Jonas (38), and Roseline Shikulo (39).
Two other victims of the same accident have been identified as Dina Hamwaama and Raphael Dawids.
Jonas, who died two days before her birthday, was laid to rest at Tsandi in the Omusati region on Saturday.
A relative of Jonas, Shiimi Shiimi, during the memorial service on Thursday decribed her as a “provider and protector”, who sacrificed her own comfort to care for her family and took over the responsibilities of her late parents by stepping into their roles.
“She was responsible for overseeing the village home in the Omusati region after the death of her parents. We have lost a special gem in such a tragic way. We are questioning why she died in such a way. We are broken,” he said.
Shiimi said Jonas’ relatives will not find closure because of the way she died.
A relative of Shikulo said the mother of two will be remembered as a devoted person who loved her children.
“She loved family and mostly her children, with whom she spent most of her time. She was eager to further her studies, having studied in India, at the University of Namibia, the Namibia Open College of Learning, and she was still studying,” he said.
Shikulo is survived by her siblings, parents and two children, aged 10 and 6.
The Shikulo family have expressed gratitude for the support they have received. Shikulo was laid to rest in Windhoek on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hoases’ family described her as a passionate educator and a keen helper who dedicated her life to making a difference in pupils’ lives.
“She was a pillar to her parents, caring and always willing to give a helping hand,” her aunt said at the memorial service.
Hoaes will be buried at Grootfontein on 11 April.
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