Death rumours as Namibia’s ex-president Sam Nujoma hospitalised

By Staff Reporter

Namibian authorities have moved to dispel social media claims the southern African country’s former President Sam Nujoma has died.

Doctors however confirm the 95-year-old Nujoma, a veteran politician and anti-apartheid icon, was hospitalised with an infection.

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In a statement on Sunday, Namibia’s presidential press secretary, Alfredo Hengari, said “there is no truth” to the death claims.

“President Nangolo Mbumba and the government he leads communicate transparently. There is no truth to those misplaced allegations on social media,” said Hengari.

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Nujoma’s personal physician, Dr Tshalli Iithete, said Nujoma is recovering well adding that his hospitalisation is a routine precautionary measure against an infection, considering his advanced age.

“He is under the care of a competent and dedicated team of health practitioners composed of medical doctors and registered nurses, including specialists who are looking after him.

“He is recuperating very well and we are satisfied with his recovery progress,” he said without mentioning the name of the hospital he is detained.”

Lithete added, “On behalf of the family and indeed on our own, we take this opportunity to express our deepest admiration, respect, and gratitude for the gift of his presence in our lives and thank all those who kept him in their prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery.”

Nujoma, Namibian revolutionary politician and founding president served three terms as the first President of Namibia, from 1990 to 2005.