Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of a Northern Regional Electricity Distributor employee and well-known northern businessman, who fell to his death while working on an electric cable last week at Okahao, Omusati region. 

Thomas Matanga gaLot Shikomba died at the age of 34 on 27 April.

He was buried on Saturday at Okalunga Kantako in the Ompundja constituency of the Oshana region.

Thousands of mourners thronged his house at the Okalunga Kantako village on Friday and Saturday in Ompundja for the memorial and funeral. Those who spoke during his funeral described him as business-minded, wise, a sponsor, a family man and a friend to all, who financially and materially assisted many of his counterparts to establish their businesses.

A northern prominent businessman and a former principal for Okapalo Combined School Gabriel Uunona said Shikomba was a people’s person. “He would not pass by without greeting you before he goes in his pocket. And I am sure he used to do this to everyone sitting here,” Uunona added. He told mourners that Shikomba significantly committed his resources to sports activities such as soccer.

“We lost a helping hand, a guy who used to manage and provide funds and food to the people in the village for sports to take place,” he explained.

Sam Nakatopi also described his childhood friend as a friendly person, a mentor and a leader.

“I have lost a big part of my heart; we have so many memories together. He was not my neighbour only but we became family. I am shattered,” he said.

A Nored employee, Esther Kasheeta, remembered him as a person with a sense of humour.  “You wouldn’t take anything seriously when he is talking, because that’s how we knew him. He was full of jolly moments,” said a tearful Kasheeta.

Speaking at the funeral, Nored spokesperson Simon Lukas said Shikomba was one of the best and well-disciplined employees.

He also narrated how his colleague lost his life in a horrific accident.

“Shikomba was removing electric cable wires when the pole he was climbing on suddenly broke, causing him to fall to the ground,” he explained.

As a result, he said, he sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene.

He was unfortunately not wearing any protective gear, so his head was exposed.

Shikomba is survived by his mother, three children and six siblings.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na