Photo: Namib Times Archive

At just 16 years old, German tourist Antonia Joschko survived a horrific car crash near Henties Bay that claimed the lives of her parents and sister. More than a decade later, she has been awarded N$4.7 million in a civil claim against the driver responsible, Jeandré Dippenaar, who is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for six counts of murder.

The High Court judgement, delivered by Acting Judge Natasha Bassingthwaighte on Tuesday this week, also awarded Antonia N$116 000 for funeral costs and N$200 000 in general damages. The accident occurred on 29 December 2014, when Dippenaar, driving towards Henties Bay, collided with the vehicle carrying Antonia and her family. The crash also claimed the lives of passengers Charlene Schoonbee, Dinah Pretorius, and Jan Carel Horn. Investigations indicated that Dippenaar was speeding and overtook vehicles on a blind crest, leading to the fatal collision. Antonia, forced to return to Germany alone after losing her family, pursued civil action to seek recognition for the profound personal loss she suffered. Her legal team described the ruling as a significant acknowledgment of her ordeal and resilience. The case closes a long chapter in a tragic story that has drawn attention both in Namibia and abroad.

By Eileen van der Schyff