One of the three sons of missionaries Eddie and Linda van der Merwe, who died in a car accident between Karibib and Okahandja on Thursday, says he chooses to forgive the driver that caused the accident.
Eduan van der Merwe says his parents, who were Christian missionaries, raised their children with a deep foundation in Christ, and he cannot question God’s will.
“It is hard, but I must forgive so that I can be free. We have to keep our heads high and forgive,” Van der Merwe says.
“We need to hand the matter into God’s hands. The fight is against dark principalities, not against the driver. We give all the glory to God.
“It hurts, but I hope that speaking about it in the media will also add to continuing my parents’ mission. I hope that it teaches people that everything is in the hands of God. We cannot decide about our future or make our own plans,” he says.
On the day of the fatal accident, Eduan received a call from a friend asking if he had heard any news.
“I said no. He gave me the number of a police officer and wished me strength. I called and asked what the problem was. That is when I heard the news. It was especially hard to hear that the car caught fire,” he said.
According to a police report, the accident occurred at about 14h00 some 50 kilometres from Karibib on the B2 road between Okahandja and Karibib.
Eddie and Linda van der Merwe and a third person in their vehicle, Fritz Brandt, were travelling from Okahandja towards Usakos when their car collided with a sedan vehicle heading to Okahandja.
The couple’s car caught fire with the three occupants inside, while the other vehicle overturned and landed on its roof.
One adult in the other car died at the scene, while one minor died at a Karibib clinic.
Three survivors, including the driver, were admitted to Usakos State Hospital.
According to police reports, the driver has been charged with culpable homicide and drinking and driving.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
