Staff Reporter
TWO employees of Cape Advanced Engineering Namibia (Pty) Ltd have died following a suspected toxic gas exposure at the Gammams Water Care Works in Windhoek on Friday, while a third worker survived and was taken to hospital.
The incident occurred on 7 August 2026, when the three employees were reportedly conducting routine maintenance inside a manhole at the wastewater treatment plant.
According to the Namibian Police weekend crime report, the workers were allegedly exposed to a suspected toxic gas while inside the confined space, causing them to lose consciousness.
It is further alleged that there was no water inside the manhole before the incident. However, while the workers were unconscious, water began flowing into the manhole.
One of the workers reportedly fell outside the manhole after losing consciousness, allowing him to survive. He was immediately transported to hospital for medical attention.
The deceased were identified as 39-year-old Namibian national Genis Hendick Ian and Michael Engelbrecht, an adult Namibian male.
Their next of kin have been informed.
The cause of the suspected gas exposure remains under investigation, with police classifying the matter as an inquest involving suspected toxic gas exposure, drowning, suffocation or an undetermined cause of death.
The City of Windhoek expressed its condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased employees and wished the surviving worker a full and speedy recovery.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: City of Windhoek
