OPUWO: The 12-year-old daughter of the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Uahekua Herunga, who died in a motor-vehicle accident last weekend, was laid to rest at the Okaokotavi village on Sunday.

The funeral was preceded by a memorial service, which was held at Herunga’s homestead at Omitumbirua village some 35 kilometres (km) south of Opuwo on Saturday.

Okaokotavi is situated south-west of Opuwo.

Mbemuzuva Herunga and her 23-year-old cousin Tekii Mumbuu died in an accident which claimed the lives of nine people between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo last Sunday.

Mumbuu was buried at the Otuvero village, about 30km south of Opuwo on Saturday.

Her funeral was attended by the Minister of Safety and Security Nangolo Mbumba, amongst others.

Speaking at his daughter’s burial on Sunday, Herunga said it would give him pleasure if people who came to pay their respects to his deceased daughter and niece would do so by showing kindness and giving a helping hand to their fellow Namibians, as that was the nature of the two deceased.

“I decided to bury my daughter at Okaokotavi, next to my late father, because they were similar as both were peaceful in nature. I also decided to do so as I would also like to be buried there when I die one day,” said Herunga.

He thanked the Government of Namibia and President Hifikepunye Pohamba for their support during his family’s time of need.

Herunga also praised his driver, Frans Sheehama, for his bravery during the accident. Sheehama sustained injuries on his arm and head.

“I urge you to shake this man’s hand when you meet him on the streets, and not to blame him for the accident. He is the reason I am still alive, and he was not the reason that lives were lost in the accident,” the Environment Deputy Minister noted.