Mariental, Namibia – A devastating head-on collision near the town of Mariental, approximately 270km south of Windhoek, has left 14 people dead, authorities confirmed. The accident, which occurred on Saturday, involved a minibus and a car, claiming the lives of 11 correctional officers, one police officer, and two civilians.
According to reports, the minibus, carrying the correctional officers, collided with the car on a major road in the Hardap Region. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting high speed or loss of control may have contributed. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but no survivors were reported from the collision.
The Namibian Correctional Service and Police Force expressed profound grief over the loss of their officers, describing the incident as a significant blow to the nation’s law enforcement community. “We mourn the tragic loss of our dedicated officers and the civilians involved. Our thoughts are with their families,” a spokesperson said.
The government has promised a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of the crash. President Nangolo Mbumba offered condolences, urging the public to exercise caution on the roads to prevent further tragedies.
This accident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Namibia, where high-speed collisions and poor road conditions have contributed to a rising number of fatalities in recent years. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
Published: August 31, 2025