Rundu mass murder victims laid to rest

RUNDU, 08 JUL  – Hundreds of Rundu residents gathered at the Sauyemwa cemetery on Saturday for the burial of the five family members whose alleged murder by a close relative last weekend sent shockwaves through the country.
The victims buried are Ndongo Ntumba, 77; Ndara Elizabeth Mpande, 46; Musenge Petrus Muruti, 6; Hausiku Daniel Kapumburu, 4; and the three-year-old Musenge Elias Tjingelesu.
The accused family member, Jesah Gabriel Tjunda, 20, who allegedly assaulted them with a stick at the Ndama informal settlement last Sunday, killing them instantly, is now in police custody awaiting trial.
The sad and moving funeral service attracted people from all walks of life in the town, filling the graveyard to capacity.
Family members and close relatives could not control their emotions as they cried uncontrollably throughout the ceremony.
They, however, expressed their gratitude to the public, the Office of the Governor and the Rundu Urban Constituency Office for the support and assistance they received during the difficult period.
A family member said since the incident happened, businesspeople also offered their assistance in kind, including one funeral parlour which provided the five caskets and another conducting the funeral services.
Kavango East Governor, Samuel Mbambo, Rundu Mayor, Verna Sinimbo and Chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, John Thighuru also attended the ceremony.
Sinimbo, when she visited the family house earlier this week after the killing, said she was saddened that innocent lives were taken so recklessly and that the community has been subjected to such violence.

NAMPA