Swapo veteran Shikomba dead at 80

SWAPO veteran Gaus Shikomba from Onashiku shaLaban near Oshakati in Oshana Region died on Saturday at the age of 80 years.

A family member told The Namibian that Shikomba suffered a heart attack while on the way to a relative’s funeral at Omege on Saturday morning. Born on January 27 1927, Shikomba joined OPO in 1959 and subsequently Swapo in 1960.He joined the South West Africa Liberation Army (Swala) in 1966 and received military training at Omugulugwombashe in the same year, specialising in intelligence.Late Shikomba participated in the Omugulugwombashe battle on August 26 1966 and was shot, captured and taken prisoner to Pretoria.He was later brought back to Namibia for trial and was found guilty and sentenced for life.He was then banished to Robben Island where he remained until his release on May 11 1984.Upon his return to Namibia, Shikomba worked for the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) until 1990.Shikomba was one of the Swapo veterans who were honoured during this year’s Heroes’ Day at Eenhana for their participation in the liberation struggle.Shikomba received an honorary rank of Colonel.He is survived by his wife, Wilhelmine Shikomba, and their daughter.The funeral arrangements are not yet known.Born on January 27 1927, Shikomba joined OPO in 1959 and subsequently Swapo in 1960.He joined the South West Africa Liberation Army (Swala) in 1966 and received military training at Omugulugwombashe in the same year, specialising in intelligence.Late Shikomba participated in the Omugulugwombashe battle on August 26 1966 and was shot, captured and taken prisoner to Pretoria.He was later brought back to Namibia for trial and was found guilty and sentenced for life.He was then banished to Robben Island where he remained until his release on May 11 1984.Upon his return to Namibia, Shikomba worked for the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) until 1990.Shikomba was one of the Swapo veterans who were honoured during this year’s Heroes’ Day at Eenhana for their participation in the liberation struggle.Shikomba received an honorary rank of Colonel.He is survived by his wife, Wilhelmine Shikomba, and their daughter.The funeral arrangements are not yet known.