Nchindo family may seek compensation
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
The family of three men killed by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is contemplating demanding compensation from that government.
Family spokesperson George Nchindo made the remark when asked whether the government had briefed them on the outcome of an investigation into the shooting.
The three men - brothers Tommy, Martin and Wamunyima Nchindo and their cousin Sinvula Muyeme, who is a Zambian national - were shot on 5 November when the BDF found them in the southern channel of the Chobe River. Their mother, Alphonsina Mubu, died five days later and their sister was hospitalised for shock. The southern channel of the river is a restricted area, which the BDF claims is used as a conduit for poachers. Speaking to Namibian Sun this week, Nchindo said the family was yet to meet with advisors to determine the next course of action but said that a compensation claim was an option.
“We would like compensation. It would mean meeting with lawyers to determine an acceptable amount but this is an option we are looking at,” Nchindo said.
According to him, the government has not yet given the family a copy of the report.
Nampol mum
Police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga had promised the report would be completed this month after police officers had travelled to Francistown, Botswana.
Ndeitunga has not yet said anything about the findings of the probe.
Gory details
A family representative, who had accompanied the police delegation to Francistown to view the bodies, claimed that five bullets were retrieved from Martin's body, while Wamunyima, Muyeme and Tommy were shot twice in the chest.
Botswana has an unofficial shoot-to-kill policy to deter poachers. The Botswana government has not commented on the incident since calling for a joint investigation.
WINDHOEK
The family of three men killed by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is contemplating demanding compensation from that government.
Family spokesperson George Nchindo made the remark when asked whether the government had briefed them on the outcome of an investigation into the shooting.
The three men - brothers Tommy, Martin and Wamunyima Nchindo and their cousin Sinvula Muyeme, who is a Zambian national - were shot on 5 November when the BDF found them in the southern channel of the Chobe River. Their mother, Alphonsina Mubu, died five days later and their sister was hospitalised for shock. The southern channel of the river is a restricted area, which the BDF claims is used as a conduit for poachers. Speaking to Namibian Sun this week, Nchindo said the family was yet to meet with advisors to determine the next course of action but said that a compensation claim was an option.
“We would like compensation. It would mean meeting with lawyers to determine an acceptable amount but this is an option we are looking at,” Nchindo said.
According to him, the government has not yet given the family a copy of the report.
Nampol mum
Police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga had promised the report would be completed this month after police officers had travelled to Francistown, Botswana.
Ndeitunga has not yet said anything about the findings of the probe.
Gory details
A family representative, who had accompanied the police delegation to Francistown to view the bodies, claimed that five bullets were retrieved from Martin's body, while Wamunyima, Muyeme and Tommy were shot twice in the chest.
Botswana has an unofficial shoot-to-kill policy to deter poachers. The Botswana government has not commented on the incident since calling for a joint investigation.
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