Photo: Marshallino Beukes

Today marks the 16th day after the tragic drowning of 15-year-old Erwin Bezuidehoudt at the Platz am Meer Mall vicinity in Swakopmund.

The Erongo Regional police commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona called for a meeting between all stakeholders at the scene earlier this afternoon.

During the meeting the different parties involved, including representatives of Nampol, the Namibian navy, Platz am Meer management and Mr Sean Naudé from the Namibian Marshall Rangers provided their respective reports on what has been transpiring since day one.

Commissioner Kupembona made it clear that the main aim of this search operation should be to work together in unity to retrieve the boy’s body. He also noted that alleged false and misleading information being circulated on social media will not be tolerated, and urged for search teams to make sure all safety protocols are adhered to.

During a short interview with Namib Times, the Erongo police commander remarked that the search mission is ongoing and all options are taken into consideration.

On a question by Namib Times, regarding allegations that the drowning victim committed suicide, Commissioner Kupembona made it clear that from the police’s side the incident is investigated as a drowning and not suicide.

Read the detailed report in next week Friday’s print edition of Namib Times.

This remains a developing story.

By Marshallino Beukes