WINDHOEK — Onashiku sha Laban, a village near Oshakati in the Oshana Region, is experiencing unrest as inhabitants confront a sand mining operation on grounds considered by many to be an ancestral burial site.

According to the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa), the Onashiku Sand Mining company has been the subject of controversy after local residents found human remains, including a skull and jawbone, in a batch of sand which had been removed from the site. Ruben Ankama, a local opponent of the mining operation, stated that the excavation is disturbing the rest of their ancestors and is a sign of disrespect to the community’s heritage.

The situation intensified after the Namibian Police Oshana Regional Commander, Commissioner Natftal Sakaria, acknowledged the reports. Speaking with Nampa on Monday, he confirmed that investigative and forensic teams had inspected the area following the discovery of remains by a factory worker from a neighboring town who was using the sand for brick manufacturing.

The commissioner detailed that there had been graves at the site long ago which have since vanished, and advised the mining operation against further intrusion in the area where the graves were located. Despite the ongoing investigation into the bones, no forensic results have been disclosed.

Amid the escalating tension, an unnamed resident criticized the absence of an environmental study and consultation with the community before mining began, conveying a sense of disregard for the community’s ties to the land.

Kasimi Ka Ashuulu, administrator of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority (UTA), informed Nampa that the mining site has been active since June 2022, backed by environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). He stated that the UTA supervises the operation and that revenue from the mining is split equally between the UTA and villagers for community projects.

MEFT Public Relations Officer Romeo Muyunda added that while the ministry performs regular inspections and had conducted public consultations, it had not been made aware of the specific concerns of Onashiku sha Laban villagers. He suggested that any grievances should be formally addressed to the Environmental Commissioner.