‘He was our guiding light’

The children of Ruben Abraham (44), whose life was tragically cut short when he was attacked and killed by a pack of five vicious dogs at Oshakati a week ago, described their father as a loving, peaceful and caring father.

A tribute was read on behalf of the children by their aunt Ndateelela Nghipandulwa during their father’s memorial service at Oshikondiilongo village on Friday.

Abraham’s two children, Pangashoye and Ottilia, shared their memories of a father who they said will be remembered for his love and kindness towards his children.

“He was more than just a father to us, he was our guiding light,” the children said.

They said their father showered them with love and made them feel safe in his embrace.

“Why are you so unfortunate, dad? You have died an unfortunate death. Why, dad? Was there no one to help or protect you (from the dogs)? Where was your God and the angels?”

The siblings said they have been robbed of their peace.

“We are sad that our father died from dog attacks, attacked and eaten like an animal. He was a real father and he died fighting. Why father? What a bitter death? Some animals are scary. Dad will never come back. Where is our father’s soul? He is quiet now.”

Abraham’s children, still struggling with the shock of their father’s untimely departure, painted a vivid picture of a father who was not only their protector but also their confidant and best friend.

Maria Ndaanyenamo, who delivered a message on behalf of the family, said Abraham was known for his compassion, selflessness and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in the family.

Speaking at the same event, Rubicon Security manager for the northern regions Michael Bingham said Abraham’s death came as a shock to the company.

He described Abraham as a dedicated guard, a good person to work with and someone who was always proud to do his job. “He was disciplined and never late for a shift. Our prayers are with the family, especially his children,” Bingham said.

Abraham was born on 22 October 1979 and died on 24 September 2023.

He is survived by his mother and one sibling. The incident has sparked conversations about pet safety and responsible pet ownership, and resulted in the Putting down of the responsible dogs last Monday.

The dogs were owned by an Oshakati businesswoman.

On Sunday, Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) vice president Peter Amadhila called for urgent action to be taken to protect Namibian citizens from dog-related deaths. “Naloba strongly condemns the rising number of dog-related fatalities that continue to inflict shock and trauma upon innocent Namibian citizens,” Amadhila said.

He called on all local authorities and health departments to stop the issuance of business fitness certificates to establishments that employ dogs as security guards. “It is disheartening to witness Namibian citizens being denied employment opportunities in favour of canines and this unjust practice must be halted. Human employment should take precedence over the utilisation of dogs in the business premises,” he said. “We must put an end to the presence of dogs within business premises, particularly in urban and rural areas where the safety of our citizens is most at risk.

Implementing such measures is crucial to safeguarding the lives of our fellow Namibians,” Amadhila said.