Windhoek: The late former Otjozondjupa governor and Member of Parliament, James Uerikua, and his son, Venturo, were laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at their family gravesites in Otjiserandu village at Gam. The two died on 03 April 2026 after the Toyota Land Cruiser they were travelling in allegedly overturned three times following a right rear tyre burst, approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Otjiwarongo on the C22 tarred road to Okakarara.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 43-year-old Uerikua was travelling with his family and died at the scene, while his son later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Otjiwarongo. His wife, Urira Kamuneua, and their two younger sons sustained injuries and attended the burial service on Sunday afternoon.

Several speakers described Uerikua's death as a loss to the nation, his Gam community and his ruling party, Swapo, where he held positions. Vice President, Lucia Witbooi, in her remarks on Sunday, said losing Uerikua and his son at the same time is beyond any pain human beings should endure.

Uerikua is survived by his parents, five siblings, two children, and a wife. Several other Members of Parliament, as well as Cabinet ministers, attended the funeral.