LUGERETZIA KOOPER and ESTER MBATHERAIMPALILA Island fisherman Cassius Mwala, one of the last people to speak to the Nchindo brothers and their cousin, has revealed new details of what happened on the night they were killed along the Chobe River.
This includes that there was an initial volley of shots and a long pause, before further gunshots rang out.
This is after revelations during last week’s meeting between the grieving family and president Hage Geingob in which it was alleged that the Botswana soldiers had ‘executed’ the fishermen along the Chobe River on 5 November.
“Our family members went to Kasane to identify the bodies – and from the version they told us, all four of them were shot in the head ‘execution style’. So if one has to say they were poachers and they were exchanging bullets, it is completely unbelievable that each one of them had to be shot in the head,” a nephew of the victims, Reagan Malumo, told Geingob last week.
The neighbouring army has repeatedly alleged that the fishermen were linked to a poaching syndicate, which has been emphatically denied by their loved ones.
Mwala expressed disappointment in the Namibian Police, saying those in the community who had knowledge of what transpired on that fateful night were not interviewed and no statements were taken.
Tommy, Martin and Wamunyima Nchindo and their mother, 69-year-old Alphonsina Mubu, who died five days after their death, were laid to rest amid hundreds of mourners descending on Impalila Island in the Zambezi region yesterday.
The Nchindo brothers’ cousin Sinvula Munyeme, who was also killed by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers on the night of 5 November, was buried in Kapokolo village in Zambia’s Kazungula district yesterday.
Vice president Nangolo Mbumba, who attended the Impalila Island funeral proceedings yesterday, said the community should not feel the government had forgotten them.
“The national government has a responsibility towards everyone in the community. We will deal with your challenges you mentioned in the petition,” he said, referring to last Friday’s demonstration against the continued killing of Namibians by Botswana soldiers in the area over the years.
“Tommy told me he would come in a few minutes, because he wanted to set up his fishing nets first. Little did I know that he would not be coming, because later, around 22:28, after spotting the Botswana Defence Force, several gunshots were heard in the area where the brothers were. It immediately hit me that my fellow fishermen were in danger,” Mwala, who had remained behind at the fishing campsite, told The Namibian yesterday during the funeral proceedings drenched in anger and grief.
“I exited the tent and saw lights where the gunshots were coming from. After 30 minutes, a further two gunshots were fired,” he said.
Mwala said when the Namibian Defence Force came to the site the next morning, they did not ask for any statements, and just went to Katima Mulilo to give a report.
“We honestly wonder what report that is. As far as police inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga is concerned, we wonder why he is quoting the Botswana police. He should rather be informing the nation on investigations that the Namibian police are doing,” Mwala added.
There were tears, anger and more tears, as a huge outpouring of grief accompanied the funeral proceedings yesterday.
The four family members were burried in a mass grave with a brick wall seperating the brothers from their mother.
Mukwa Nchindo said her brothers were good people, and losing them was one of the saddest moments in her life.
“My brothers’ departure was very unexpected for everyone. They were strong and hardworking people. It’s hard to put in words what I am feeling. My brothers led remarkable lives.
“They were an inspiration to me. My brothers will be in my thoughts and prayers. My brothers were fighters for the family and their impressive legacy that they left behind … no one will fill it,” Mukwa said.
She said what now remained were childhood memories and the dreams they shared while growing up together.
“It is hard to believe they are no longer with me and they will not come back. My heart is bleeding; to think that I will never see them again. I will always remember you all, and you will always be in my heart,” Mukwa said.
At the memorial service, the family matriarch, 69-year-old Mubu, who is survived by two brothers, five sisters, her remaining chidren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was described as the pillar of her household.
Tommy (48) was remembered as “a very down-to-earth person”, who had been generous to his family and community.
He is survived by his wife, four daughters and two grandchildren. Martin (40), who worked at Zambezi Queen, a cruise and safari company, until Covid-19 shattered the tourism industry, is survived by his wife and four children.
Wamunyima (36) was described as a jovial fisherman, who was survived by his daughter and siblings.
Mukwa wishes she could have done something to make her mother’s pain bearable.
“I wish I could have done something to ease my mother’s pain, because it was too much to bear, and we lost her. She was truly an extraordinary woman and was admired by everyone who knew her.
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!
