14 Nov 2021

The inquest into the death of three Namibians and a Zambian who were shot by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) members last year starts in Kasane tomorrow. Proceedings follow successful registration with the Kasane Magistrate Court on September 22 by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The inquest will determine whether anyone can be held responsible for the deaths; whether there is illegality in the incident or if those involved acted within the law.

The DPP is expected to call 22 witnesses, six of whom will be from Namibia.

The inquest is scheduled for 10 working days effective today.

In a previous interview, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) deputy director, Mr Kabo Leinaeng explained that an inquest was a standard procedure under the Inquest Act which provided for DPP to direct investigations of any loss of life due to unnatural causes to establish both direct and circumstantial evidence to facilitate a fair trial.

The four deceased persons shot at or near the Sedudu Island area in the Chobe National Park on November 5 were identified as Martin Nchindo, Ernest Nchindo, Tommy Nchindo all Namibian citizen and Sivula Munyeme, a Zambian. ENDS