Thirty-one inmates died in eight correctional facilities countrywide between 2021 and the first quarter of this year, the latest report of the Namibian Correctional Service reveals.
The findings shed light on the number of fatalities, the facilities involved, the gender breakdown, the nationality of the deceased, the causes of death and the policies surrounding funeral arrangements.
The Windhoek Correctional Facility accounted for the highest number with 10 fatalities reported.
Other deaths occurred at the Hardap Correctional Facility (2), Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility (5), Divundu Correctional Facility (1), Oluno Correctional Facility (9), Walvis Bay Correctional Facility (1), Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility (1) and Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility (2).
In terms of gender distribution, 30 of the deceased were male.
Only one woman was among the reported fatalities.
The Namibian could not establish whether any of the deceased were members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex and other community.
The report also revealed that three of the deceased inmates were Angolan nationals.
Namibia has an estimated inmate population of over 4 500 (excluding pre-trial detainees in police holding cells).
The leading causes of death among inmates were consistent with those in the general population, as most deaths were attributed to natural causes and illnesses.
However, the exact nature of these illnesses and whether they could have been prevented or treated adequately is not clear.
Regarding policies surrounding funeral arrangements, the correctional facilities’ spokesperson, assistant commissioner Salmi Hangula, said, “When an inmate dies, the next of kin of the deceased are informed and enquiry is made with regards to how they wish to proceed with the funeral arrangements. If the family is not willing to use the coffin provided by the state, they have the option to procure a coffin of their choice.”
In cases where an inmate dies due to an accident, Hangula said the state bears the responsibility for burial costs.
According to Hangula, when an inmate dies of natural causes and the family decides to bury the body themselves, the state is obliged to provide a coffin and transport to a prison institution the nearest to where the family resides.
She added that there are no unclaimed bodies of offenders.
“In cases where relatives do not come to claim the deceased, the state provides a funeral for the deceased offender after having exhausted all possible avenues to trace and locate the next of kin of the inmate,” she added.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
