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<\/p>\nOnelago village headman Sam Nepando was shot and killed during a dispute hearing in the Oshikoto region on Friday, while Iikokola village headman and the executive director of the National Planning Commission, I-Ben Nashandi, was injured and is recovering in hospital.<\/p>\n
The incident was confirmed by Oshikoto regional police commander commissioner Ndeshipanda Iifo on Friday.<\/p>\n
The Ondonga Traditional Authority has strongly condemned the shooting, which occurred during a traditional community court session at Iikokola village.<\/p>\n
In a statement issued on Friday, the authority said the incident took place on the morning of 2 January during a duly constituted dispute resolution session of the Iikokola Community Court, convened in line with the Community Courts Act and the Traditional Authorities Act.<\/p>\n
According to the statement, Nashandi and Nepando were carrying out their customary duties when a known party to the dispute allegedly opened fire.<\/p>\n
As a result, Nashandi sustained serious injuries, while Nepando was fatally wounded.<\/p>\n
The authority described the killing as a senseless act and said it is mourning the loss of a dedicated and exemplary young leader.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are shocked and deeply saddened by this attack on our leaders and on the sanctity of customary justice. Violence has no place in our communities,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n
The authority extended condolences to the Nepando family and the broader Ondonga community and called for calm, unity, and respect for the rule of customary and national law.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legacy of our fallen leader will endure through our collective resolve to uphold justice without fear or violence,\u201d the statement says.<\/p>\n
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka, a family friend, has also confirmed the shooting incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe [Nashandi] is in stable condition at a local hospital,\u201d he states<\/p>\n
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