Passenger Transported by Ministry of Health and Social Services Dies After Being Struck by Mazda Demio on B1 Near Okahandja
By TUW
A late-night stop along the B1 road in the Otjozondjupa Region ended in tragedy after a 91-year-old Namibian man lost his life in a road accident involving a passenger bus and a private vehicle.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, 5 February 2026, at around 20:30, approximately 60 kilometres from Okahandja in the direction of Otjiwarongo. Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide as well as reckless or negligent driving.
According to Otjozondjupa Regional Police spokesperson, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, the deceased was travelling as a passenger in a bus belonging to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which was transporting patients from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo.
Police reports indicate that passengers requested the driver to stop at a lay-by to allow them to relieve themselves. The bus reportedly pulled over on the right-hand side of the road, facing the Otjiwarongo direction. During this stop, the elderly man allegedly moved onto the roadway while relieving himself.
An oncoming Mazda Demio, travelling from the northern direction towards the south, is said to have struck the man, dragging him for an estimated distance of 53 metres. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver of the Mazda may not have seen the pedestrian due to the glare from the bus lights facing his direction at the time of the incident.
Police have confirmed that the deceased’s next of kin are yet to be informed, and investigations into the matter are continuing.
