WALVIS BAY — A devastating fire swept through the Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay, formerly known as Twaloloka, resulting in the death of a man and the destruction of approximately 200 shacks. This incident has left hundreds without shelter in a region still haunted by the memory of a similar tragedy three years prior.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Warrant Officer Tuyenikelao Tashiya, a Community Policing Officer with the Namibian Police Force for the Erongo Region, confirmed that the fire erupted on Saturday around 18:30 along Gerson Munenguni Street. The blaze spread swiftly, overwhelming the neighborhood within minutes. Despite the efforts of the Walvis Bay Municipality Fire Brigade, they were unable to prevent the fatal outcome for one individual, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. The body of the deceased was taken to the Walvis Bay State Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem is expected to be conducted.

The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the police. Officer Tashiya noted that this is the second major fire in the area, recalling a heartbreaking incident three years ago when an infant perished in a similar event.