YOUNG OBSERVER | Teen hailed as hero after saving twins from drowning

Patience Makwele A 16-year-old boy from the Omusati region is being praised across Namibia after risking his life to save nine-month-old twins who had allegedly been thrown into a pond at Omutundungu village. Cornelius Shimwaafeni, a learner at Nicodemus Primary School, has drawn national attention after rescuing the infants during what started as an ordinary day herding livestock. According to reports, Shimwaafeni allegedly witnessed the twins being thrown into the water by their biological mother before rushing into the pond to save them.

In an interview with NBC, Shimwaafeni said he immediately jumped into the water without hesitation. He managed to pull both babies out, performed CPR and called nearby community members for help. The twins were later taken to hospital and have since been discharged into the care of their father.

News of the rescue quickly spread across social media, with many Namibians describing the teenager as a hero. Community members have since donated money, clothes, food and other essentials to support Shimwaafeni and his family. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare also praised the teenager during a graduation ceremony at Triumphant College in Windhoek on Wednesday.