Tragedy at the Negotiation Table: Land Dispute Erupts in Violence, Claiming a Peacemaker’s Life

In a shocking act of violence that has sent tremors through the community, a land dispute mediation in the Onayena constituency turned fatal on Friday. Onelago headman Sam Nepando was killed, and Iikokola headman I-Ben Nashandi, who also serves as the National Planning Commission executive director, was injured by gunfire. The incident has prompted a forceful condemnation from local councillor Mateus Kamati and raised urgent questions about conflict resolution, the sanctity of traditional leadership, and escalating tensions over land.

The attack did not occur in a vacuum. It unfolded as the two respected traditional leaders were actively engaged in resolving a conflict over land near Iikokola village—a core, and often fraught, responsibility of their office. This context makes the violence not just a criminal act, but a direct assault on the community’s established mechanisms for maintaining peace and order.

Councillor Mateus Kamati expressed profound dismay, framing the tragedy against the backdrop of hope that accompanies a new year. “It is very painful and disappointing. It happened on the threshold of the new year, when people were celebrating the fact that they had survived and were hopeful,” Kamati stated. His appeal for peaceful dialogue underscores a critical societal pillar: “People must desist from resolving issues through the use of violence. We must dialogue to solve our issues peacefully. Our elders and leaders must be honoured.”

The human toll is palpable in the words of grieving relatives, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We are still in shock,” said one. Another added, “We are in a state of shock, utterly, and we cannot comprehend how such a situation could occur.” This raw grief is compounded by the profound loss of a specific kind of leader.

Community members universally described the late Headman Sam Nepando not as a distant authority, but as a dedicated peacemaker. He was a long-serving member of the traditional authority, crucial to the administration of land, governance, and—ironically—conflict resolution. Residents recall an “approachable but firm leader who championed settling disputes through communication and not violence,” and who “saw leadership as a form of service and not authority.” His murder while performing this very service represents a devastating paradox and a deep loss to the social fabric.

This event has ignited serious concerns beyond the immediate crime. It acts as a stark indicator of growing tensions linked to land disputes—a common flashpoint in many communities where ancestral claims, population growth, and economic pressures collide. Furthermore, it challenges the respect and safety afforded to traditional authorities, who often serve as the first line of justice and mediation in rural areas.

The official response has been unequivocal. Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo declared that such violent acts will not be tolerated and that the law will take its course. He has previously warned against the use of firearms during dispute resolutions, a warning that now carries a tragic weight. The police investigation is ongoing, with the community awaiting answers and justice.

This tragedy serves as a grim case study. It highlights the dangerous potential for land conflicts to escalate when combined with the availability of weapons and a breakdown of dialogue. The legacy of Headman Nepando, as a servant-leader who believed in communication, stands in direct opposition to the violence that took his life. His death is a call to action for communities and institutions to reinforce peaceful mediation channels and protect those who dedicate themselves to this vital work.

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