Otjomuise woman strangled to death by ex-boyfriend who helped search for her

The family of the woman who was found dead at home at Otjomuise’s Extension 2, describes her as a kind-hearted person who was always smiling.

Regina Kondombolo’s (33) body was discovered at her residence on Monday evening after her alleged ex-boyfriend and landlord broke into the house she was living in, as there was no response from inside.

At the time, the suspect (41), who has subsequently been arrested, appeared to be helping in the search for Kondombolo.

The police have confirmed that Kondombolo’s body was found inside and that an investigation into her death has been launched.

The suspect is allegedly Kondombolo’s ex-boyfriend, who was present when her body was discovered.

National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday said investigations show Kondombolo was assaulted and strangled to death.

The suspect is set to appear in court today.

“Our investigation is ongoing and the necessary statements, including from witnesses, will be obtained and will form part of the court proceedings,” Shikwambi said.

According to Kondombolo’s uncle, Panduleni Kondombolo, Nambashu, as she was known at home, was a hardworking young entrepreneur.

“She sold hair products, basic women’s items and men’s clothing to support herself and her family,” he said yesterday.

Although she had no children of her own, he said Kondombolo took responsibility for her younger sister and grandmother.

“She shared what she had with family and friends. She was generous, loving and always smiling,” he said.

Panduleni said ‘Nambashu’ will be remembered for her compassion, strength and generosity.

Kondombolo was born in Windhoek and raised by her grandmother, who died six months ago.

She was the second-born of two siblings and grew up in a close-knit family environment.

Kondombolo had allegedly been in an on-and-off romantic relationship with the suspect since she was 14 years old.

Her death comes just days after The Namibian reported on another case in which a woman was shot and killed by her boyfriend before he took his life.

Local psychologist Ceaseria Mutau says people often reveal their inner battles long before they act.

“When someone repeatedly voices violent thoughts, they are not empty words, but warning signals of inner distress, a collapsing sense of self or spiralling self-control,” she says.

Mutau says this reflects a loss of the ability to pause, reflect or imagine consequences.

She says family members, friends and colleagues who are aware of such behaviour have a responsibility to intervene.

“Dismissing it as jokes, anger or just venting is to allow danger to grow in silence.”

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