09/05/2025
In Loving Memory of My Sister and Nephew
By Jafet Amukoto
Survivor of the 09 May 2017 Motor Accident – B1 Road, Otjiwarongo to Otavi
On 09 May 2017, I was traveling to the north with my beloved sister, Mee Sophy, and my nephew., Atuhe . The journey started well—we departed from Windhoek and arrived safely in Otjiwarongo. Once there, I suggested we refuel, but my sister said, “Let’s just fill up at Etunda, near Otavi.” I agreed, and we continued on our way, driving a brand-new vehicle we were taking home. I had no idea we wouldn’t make it.
Shortly after we passed the Otjiwarongo roadblock, I noticed a traffic officer’s vehicle in the mirror, signaling for me to pull over. I did so. The officer approached and informed me that I had supposedly failed to stop at one of the four-way intersections in Otjiwarongo—specifically, the one near the circle when entering from the north.
I was confused and questioned him: “If I committed an offense, why did you follow us all this way instead of having your colleagues at the roadblock stop us?” I had already stopped at the roadblock, and they had checked even my license.
This angered my sister. She exchanged words with the officer, feeling it was unfair and aggressive for him to follow us so far. I still remember her firm words: “Kushi omulumentu gweye, potsa shi wahala”—which means, “You are not a man; just tell us what you want.” It upset her deeply.
Earlier, I had seen two officers in the vehicle, but by the time he reached us, he was alone. Eventually, he issued me a fine of N$1,500—my very first ticket since receiving my license on 07 March 2012.
Frustrated and shaken, we resumed our journey. But not long after, exactly 40 kilometers from Otjiwarongo on the road to Otavi, the unthinkable happened: we were involved in a tragic accident.
That accident claimed the lives of my dear sister and my nephew.
Mee Sophy was not just my sister; she was my closest friend. Our bond was strong—rooted in trust, respect, and deep love. I have lost more than a sibling; I lost a part of myself. Of all the people she could have traveled with that day, she chose me. I never imagined I was taking her home for the last time.
Since that day, the
