The family of 78-year-old Kleophas Tourob is seeking answers following his death after he reportedly fell into an excavation in Henties Bay on Friday, 14 August.
According to a police report, Tourob was walking along Hardap Street when he fell into a hole. His family later transported him to the Henties Bay Clinic, where he was examined by a nurse and declared dead on arrival at approximately 22:50. A post-mortem report dated 20 August 2026, which was provided to the Namib Times by the family, found that Tourob died from “acute traumatic subdural haemorrhage”, which is bleeding around the brain caused by trauma. The report states that the injury was due to or a consequence of an “unintentional fall from an unspecified height”. The manner of death is recorded as “accident”.
Police opened an inquest under case number 01/2026. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Tourob’s death are continuing. The family has raised concerns about the safety measures at the excavation and alleges that there were inadequate warning signs, barricades or fencing to protect pedestrians. The family also alleges that the excavation had been carried out by municipal workers. The family says it wants the Henties Bay Municipality to provide answers about the excavation and the safety measures in place at the site. These allegations have not been independently verified by the Namib Times.
The family’s spokesperson, Ceril Dausab, said the family was devastated by Tourob’s death and described him as a respected elder, pastor, grandfather and great-grandfather. “We demand answers immediately,” Dausab said.
“Our family wants to know how this could have happened and why the necessary safety measures were not in place. The family has indicated that it is considering obtaining legal advice regarding the circumstances surrounding Tourob’s death At the time of going to print, no finding of negligence or liability had been made against the Henties Bay Municipality.
The Namib Times has approached the Henties Bay Municipality for comment on the excavation, the safety measures at the site, the family’s allegations and the allegation that municipal workers carried out the excavation. The municipality has been given an opportunity to respond to the questions raised by the family, and its response will be published when received.
By Eileen van der Schyff
