Family shattered after losing three members in accident

Five people died in a car accident near Oshivelo in the Oshikoto region in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Magdalena Ruanda (58) was driving when the Nissan pickup carrying eight people overturned.

Police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi told the media yesterday that Ruanda, Martha Samuel (47), Reinhold Megameno (18), Elizabeth Ruanda (5) and Bravo Simson (12) all perished in the accident.

Magdalena, Megameno and Elizabeth are from the same household at Ondangwa, while Samuel and Simson are mother and son.

The Namibian was informed that Samuel was one of Ruanda’s closest friends.

The remaining three occupants sustained injuries and were rushed to Tsumeb State Hospital for treatment.

Shikwambi said Magdalena was travelling from Walvis Bay to Ondangwa when the accident occurred.

Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Rusa Stefanus (57) described her cousin, Magdalena, as the heart and soul of their family.

“She was a true people’s person and helpful,” Stefanus said.

“Her love for family knew no bounds.”

The soft-spoken Stefanus said Magdalena and another relative had travelled to Walvis Bay for a tombstone unveiling of a family member.

She said she grew up with Magdalena at Walvis Bay before (the latter) relocated to Ondangwa 30 years ago.

Magdalena was a prominent figure in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia Ondangwa parish.

Church member Roseline Swartbooi, who knew Magdalena for 12 years, describes her as a “pillar” for the congregation.

“She turned her house into a church. She was a mother and sister to me. I could cry on her shoulder. It’s sad to lose her,” she said.

Swartbooi went on to describe Ruanda’s unwavering support and compassion.

“She never pushed anyone away. She was like an eagle to us. We will really miss her,” she says.

Swartbooi says the late Magdalena would call her, her handbag, as she would accompany her wherever she went.

“Even when she went to Walvis Bay, she wanted me to go with her, but I could not,” she says.

Magdalena’s friend, Pele Mwatunga, describes Ruanda death’s and that of her family members as difficult.