Windhoek — A Namibia Defence Force (NDF) member narrowly escaped death after he lost control of the vehicle he was driving on the Okahandja-Windhoek road.

The accident occurred at 15h30 on Sunday near Parkies at Brakwater near Windhoek.

It is suspected that the 24-year-old army officer was using the red NDF Citi Golf for private business.

The suspect removed the NDF number plates (NDF 0244) and hid them in the boot and put on fake private numbers (N4026OH).

He is said to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Police and NDF officials at the scene said the suspect was supposed to be at Okahandja Military School when the accident occurred, but stole the vehicle for private use.

According to a logbook found in the car, the man was only authorised to drop a certain Sergeant in Okahandja location on Saturday at 16h00. He was thereafter supposed to park the car but did not.

Instead, he drove the car between Saturday and Sunday for over 200 kilometres.

He sustained serious injuries and was taken to Windhoek Central Hospital.

He was alone at the time of the accident.