Watch: Market Stalls Set on Fire Amid Ethnic Tension in Otjinene

By TUW Jul 21, 2025

Trouble broke out early this morning in Otjinene village, Omaheke Region, after several market stalls were set on fire. The stalls belonged to people from the Aawambo, Ovazemba, and other non-Ovaherero groups.

This happened a few days after a fight last Thursday, where a local Ovaherero man died after being involved in a fight with five Aawambo men. The five men were arrested and were expected to appear in court today.

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Since the fight, tension in the village has been growing. Some people from non-Ovaherero tribes said they were told to leave Otjinene.

Police say they have managed to calm the situation for now. Otjinene station commander Michael Angula confirmed the burning of the stalls and said investigations are still going on.