National News – Page 177 – Windhoek Observer

01 May

Xinfeng wins battle over Orange River Mining ownership

National News

Ester Mbathera Chinese-owned lithium mining giant Xinfeng Investments has won a Supreme Court battle confirming its ownership stake in Orange River Exploration Mining CC after a disputed cancellation of company records. The matter was heard on 12 March, and judgment was delivered on Wednesday by a panel consisting of Chief Justice Peter Shivute, Acting Justice of Appeal Rita Makarau, and Acting Justice of Appeal Dave Smuts. Justice Makarau wrote the judgment, with Shivute and Smuts concurring. The case stems from an April 2022 agreement where Peter Shifwaku, who owned 100% of the mining company, sold 85% of his interest to…

01 May

Learner escapes alleged kidnapping in Windhoek

National News

Niël Terblanché An investigation has been launched following reports of an alleged attempted kidnapping of a learner from Moses Garoeb Primary School in Windhoek earlier this week. The Namibian Police confirmed that the Gender-Based Violence Unit’s social workers are interviewing the learner in the presence of her mother. “The Police had to act, given the current situation of learners raped and killed in Okahandja, because we cannot overlook nor ignore such posts of threats to peace and security disruption,” said Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, head of the Police’s public relations division. According to the learner, while walking from Havana to…

29 Apr

Nursing graduates decry ‘high’ exam fees

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Nursing graduates are raising concerns over the high exam fees set by the Nursing Council, with many saying the N$2,000-plus cost is an unfair barrier to entering the workforce. Former lawmaker Hidipo Hamata condemned the charges, calling them unjust and harmful to the country’s health system. “How can unemployed graduates, most of whom still depend on their struggling parents, be expected to afford such exorbitant fees? It is completely wrong and unfair! These are the same nurses we desperately need in our hospitals and clinics, yet we are blocking them with expensive, unnecessary barriers,” Hamata said. He added…

29 Apr

Protests erupt after murder of three girls in Okahandja

National News

Ester Mbathera Protests broke out across the country on Tuesday as communities, especially children, voiced fear and frustration over their safety. The protests followed the murder of three young girls in Okahandja. In Okahandja, residents filled the streets demanding justice. The killings of young girls have shaken the town, once known as the garden town. The peaceful march was joined by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Balloti, Swapo member of parliament Fenny Tutjavi, and LPM member of parliament Utaara Mootu. The leaders stood in solidarity with protestors and called for urgent action to protect…

29 Apr

Mining controversy spurs local development agreement in Epupa

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Following reports from traditional leaders in Ekungira, Epupa Constituency, that ongoing mining activities are illegal, community members have reached an agreement with mining companies to contribute to local development. This was revealed in a report by the Ombudsman, conducted after some traditional authorities complained that mining was taking place without their consent. The agreement includes conditions that the mining companies drill a borehole for the community, assist with a community garden, contribute to a community fund, and establish a school garden project. Media Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha, in a report presented yesterday, stated that a complaint was lodged with…

29 Apr

Power supply issues prompt prolonged water rationing

National News

Niël Terblanché Water rationing in Walvis Bay will continue until 30 June 2025, following an extension announced by the Municipality of Walvis Bay. The extension adds 31 days to the initial measures, which were due to end today. The decision follows ongoing electricity supply problems affecting the Rooi Bank and Dorop South aquifer systems, which are key to the town’s water supply. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the utility advised the municipality to maintain water rationing to avoid complete depletion of reservoir levels. Voltage drops and ageing infrastructure continue to limit water extraction from the boreholes. Daily water supply interruptions…

29 Apr

Snake kills toddler near Omatjete

National News

Niël Terblanché A three-year-old boy, Lihoneni Mingeli, died early Monday morning after being bitten by a snake at the Ovitapita farm near Omatjete. The incident happened around 04:00, according to Inspector Judith Shomongula, spokesperson for the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region. She said the child's mother was sleeping on a bed with her two children, while a visitor slept on the floor in the same room. "The visitor felt something moving on her blanket. She woke up, lit a torch and saw the snake," Shomongula said. The visitor tried to alert the mother, but the snake had already disappeared.…

29 Apr

Getaway car, N$55 000 found in Namcor fuel station robbery

National News

Niël Terblanché Police have recovered N$55 000 and a getaway vehicle used in an armed robbery at the Namcor Soweto Service Station in Katutura. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, one of the suspects was arrested after being shot in the leg during a confrontation with city police officers. Four other suspects fled and remain at large, with a manhunt underway. The robbery occurred around 09h00 on Monday when five armed individuals arrived in a black sedan with a fake number plate. They stormed both the fuel station and the adjacent Pick n Pay Express store. A 39-year-old employee was…

28 Apr

Funding secured for Okangwati Extension 3 township

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget. This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas. Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements. "Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28," Kamseb said. The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies,…

28 Apr

Zambezi region most supportive of marijuana use

Featured, National News

Ester Mbathera People from the Zambezi region believe marijuana use can sometimes or always be justified. This makes them the most supportive group in the country, according to the Afrobarometer Survey 2024 conducted by Cirrus Survey Warehouse Namibia. The survey shows that approval for adult cannabis use varies across regions, age groups, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Nationally, the nation remains divided on the issue. The public was asked whether adults using marijuana can "always be justified," "sometimes be justified," or "never be justified." Among ethnic groups, people who wanted to be identified as Caprivians scored 82%, followed by Nama…