Sostenus Wilherm
Concerns over potentially dangerous alcoholic drinks recovered from a truck accident near Otavi have intensified after several minors were reportedly taken to the Otavi Clinic for medical attention following alleged consumption of the beverages.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday near Otavi, after which residents reportedly gained access to some of the vodka-based mixed alcoholic drinks being transported by the truck.
The incident has since prompted warnings from the Otavi Town Council and the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement, with residents urged not to consume, sell or distribute the recovered products.
The Otavi Town Council issued an urgent public notice warning residents about the drinks, saying they were reportedly collected from the scene of the accident involving a consignment of vodka-based alcoholic beverages.
According to the council, the products were reportedly not intended for the Namibian market and contain a high concentration of alcohol.
The council further cautioned that the drinks may have been exposed to excessive heat, fire, smoke and other contaminants during the accident, meaning their safety and condition cannot be guaranteed.
The warning comes amid reports that some residents gained access to the products following the accident and that minors subsequently consumed the beverages.
AR community activist for the Otjozondjupa Region, Paulus Shetunyenga Shimooshili, described the situation as “very worrisome”, particularly because children were reportedly among those who gained access to the drinks.
“It is very worrisome,” Shimooshili told the Windhoek Observer, calling on law enforcement authorities to take decisive action against individuals found selling or keeping the products.
He said the situation was made more concerning by reports that the drinks were in the possession of children and being consumed without proper control.
“To make matters worse, these substances are in possession of kids and kids are using it anyhow,” Shimooshili said.
Shimooshili urged the police to conduct operations where necessary to identify households or other premises where the drinks may be stored or sold, particularly where children may have access to them.
He said authorities should ensure that the products do not continue circulating within the community and that underage persons are protected from the potential dangers associated with their consumption.
The AR Movement in the Otavi District has also called on residents of Otavi and surrounding farms to exercise extreme caution following reports that the truck carrying the vodka-based mixed alcoholic drinks was involved in an accident near the town.
The movement said local leader Elton Gamgaebeb visited the Otavi Clinic and observed several minor children receiving medical attention.
The circumstances surrounding the children’s reported treatment, including the number of children affected and the nature of their symptoms, could not immediately be independently established.
The Otavi Town Council has urged anyone who is in possession of the recovered products not to consume, sell or distribute them.
Instead, residents have been encouraged to report possession of the drinks to the relevant authorities for assessment and appropriate action.
The council specifically warned parents, guardians and community members to ensure that children do not gain access to the products, noting that the high alcohol content could pose serious risks to young people.
The AR Movement similarly urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately seek medical attention if anyone develops adverse symptoms after consuming the beverages.
Meanwhile, community activists are calling for stronger law enforcement intervention to prevent the drinks from reaching children and to ensure that those found distributing potentially dangerous products are dealt with appropriately.
As concerns grow, residents have been urged to treat the recovered alcoholic drinks as unsafe until authorities determine otherwise and to prioritise the health and safety of children in the community.
