Fire tragedy leaves community in shock

The suspect arrested in connection with the deaths of a father and his child, who died after a fire destroyed their home on 28 January in Lüderitz, appeared in the magistrates court in the harbour town on 31 January (Friday). 

Lucia Joel (18) sobbed uncontrollably during the court proceedings, and an officer of the court, Ruusa Paulus, consoled her on her way to the police holding cells.

She appeared on charges of murder, an alternative charge of culpable homicide and arson before Magistrate Whitney Chaka, who postponed the case to 2 February for bail consideration. Lawyer Jonathan Olivier represented the accused, and Roswitha Tjipurua, the state.

“A fire that was allegedly started by the suspect, Lucia Joel, claimed the lives of Simon Fillipus Nghituwamata (38) and his daughter Hilaria Ndeufa Grace Simon (2) on Wednesday morning in the Amilema suburb of the harbour town. The next of kin of the deceased was informed,” confirmed Deputy Commissioner Nicodemus Mbango, 

The preliminary police report indicates that the accused reportedly started a fire (7:30) to cook in close proximity to the home that burnt down. “She was apparently warned that the flames posed a risk by passersby and left the fire unattended to fetch water from a communal waterpoint in the area. When she returned, the house where the deceased were asleep had caught fire. The suspect and neighbours attempted to extinguish the flames, which spread quickly,” Mbango said.

At the time the Lüderitz Fire Brigade arrived at the scene, the flames had already engulfed the entire house. The bodies of the deceased were transported to Keetmanshoop State Hospital for post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death. Valentino Sankwasa, a representative of the family of the deceased, confirmed that the funeral will take place in Okalongo in the north of the country.