A VETERAN of the liberation struggle, Colonel Jonas Nawa Shiweda, has died after battling a long illness.
He was 84 years old.
Shiweda, who previously worked for the Namibia defence force (NDF) before he went into retirement in the early 2000s, died at Engela state hospital on 18 February.
The governor of Ohangwena region, Usko Nghaamwa confirmed his death saying that the late Colonel has played a very big role in the fight for the liberation of Namibia’s independence.
"He has been ill for some time before he died. His death is a huge loss to the Namibian nation and words alone cannot describe how I’m touched by the news of his death. Shiweda was instrumental in the liberation of the country and he is one of the founders of Ovamboland people’s organization (OPO)," said Nghaamwa.
The late Shiweda went into exile in 1963 and he served as chief of logistics while in exile.
While in exile, Shiweda fought alongside former president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, the late Mzee Kaukungwa and Andimba Toivo ya Toivo amongst many others.
According to Nghaamwa, Shiweda has been accorded a military funeral and he will be buried at Eenhana heroes shrine on Saturday.
The minister of defence, Penda Ya Ndakolo is expected to officiate the proceedings.
He is survived by nine children.
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