National News – Page 388 – Windhoek Observer

08 Jan

57 fatalities recorded during the festive season

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja According to the Namibia Police Force, the country has recorded 57 deaths as a result of road accidents during the festive season.The latest road traffic crash comparative statistics for the period between 17 November 2023 and 1 January 2024, reveal that the country’s road accident fatalities marked a 14 percent decrease from the previous year’s toll of 66 fatalities.The report further reveals a five percent surge in overall road crashes and a two percent increase in injuries.“The latest road traffic crash statistics reveal a 14 percent decrease in fatalities. While this may be a positive development, the overall…

08 Jan

Environment Ministry urges vigilance amidst rising wildlife attacks

National NewsEnvironment Ministry urges vigilance amidst rising wildlife attacks

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has called upon community members to exercise extreme caution and guard against potential attacks by wild animals. The alert follows a series of tragic incidents in the Kavango East region, where crocodile attacks claimed the lives of two individuals within this month. The first tragedy occurred on 01 January 2024 in Shikoro village, where a female resident, Mudi Muhembo, was reported to have been fatally attacked by a crocodile while fetching water. The second incident unfolded on 04 January 22024 in the Mutjiku area, claiming the life of 17-year-old Bunewero Peter…

08 Jan

Remains of child found inside killer crocodile

National News

The week-long search for the remains of a nine-year-old child along the banks of the Kavango River ended when officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism killed a huge crocodile.The crocodile dragged the child who was visiting his grandmother in Angola into the water when he and some other children went to wash themselves in the river. According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the remains of the victim were found inside the reptile when officials opened its belly on Sunday afternoon.Muyunda said the MEFT regrets the tragic incident and conveyed sympathy to the family of the victim.

08 Jan

Wakudumo refutes allegations made by Kavango East Regional Council

National NewsBonifatius Wakudumo, Wakudumo refutes allegations made by Kavango East Regional Council

Martin Endjala Bonifatius Wakudumo, the Governor of the Kavango East Region, has strongly denied allegations brought against him by the Kavango East regional council, stating that they are false and lack any basis in truth. Wakudumo addressed these allegations last week in response to a recent article published by the Windhoek Observer on social media platforms, titled “Governor banned from attending council meetings.” In a letter dated December 28, 2023, which has been seen by this publication, a council meeting was held during which council members wrote to President Hage Geingob. In the letter, they collectively decided to bar the…

08 Jan

Police officer claims that her arrest was unlawful

National NewsHambeleleni Mushinina, Police officer claims that her arrest was unlawful

Martin Endjala Hambeleleni Mushinina, holding the rank of Sergeant First Class in the Namibian Police Force, asserts that her arrest was unlawful, an incident that has left a stain on her reputation, and she is now determined to seek justice to vindicate her name. The junior officer was apprehended on 27 November 2023, in connection with a stolen cellphone in the Ohangwena region. She was subsequently released on bail amounting to N$700 on 28 November 2023. Mushinina claims that she was at work when fellow police officers arrived at her residence to arrest her son, Jeremiah Mushinina, on November 27,…

08 Jan

Fewer fatalities despite more crashes

National News

Niël Terblanché Recent statistics released by the Namibian Police have revealed an increase in motor accidents during the past festive season compared to the same period last year. Despite the rise in accidents, there has been a 14 percent decrease in fatalities, shedding light on the complex road safety situation in the country. Between November 17, 2022, and January 1, 2023, the police recorded a total of 382 accidents, 711 injuries, and 66 fatalities. In contrast, for the period from November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024, there were 403 accidents and 724 injuries, but only 57 fatalities. While the…

08 Jan

NTTU President says Namibian justice system is unfair

National NewsNTTU President says Namibian justice system is unfair, Werner Januarie

Stefanus Nashama Werner Januarie, the President of the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU), has strongly criticized the Namibian justice system, citing unfairness in its handling of his court cases. In a recent letter addressed to Chief Justice Peter Shivute and sent to the Supreme Court of Namibia, Januarie expressed his profound disappointment, stating that his soul is deeply troubled by the state of the Namibian justice system. “I write to you with dismay and anguish, for my heart and soul are torn apart, as it seems that justice is elusive in this country,” he wrote in his letter. Januarie…

08 Jan

NSFAF remains a relevant stakeholder in Namibia’s education system

National NewsHofni Iipinge, NSFAF remains a relevant stakeholder in Namibia’s education system

Martin Endjala Hofni Iipinge, the Swapo Party Deputy Secretary for Education, maintains that despite facing significant criticism from various Namibians, including some Members of Parliament, the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) remains an essential component of the country’s higher education sector. As last year’s grade 11 and 12 learners anticipate admission to universities, Iipinge underscores the financial instability faced by many families. He believes that these families will greatly benefit from their children qualifying for university education. The proposition to completely dismantle NSFAF, as suggested by some, could have severe consequences. When asked whether the Fund has successfully repositioned…

22 Dec

AR calls on Rani Group to resolve worker dispute amicably

National NewsAR calls on Rani Group to resolve worker dispute amicably

Stefanus Nashama Angelina Immanuel, a Northern-based activist and Chairperson of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, has urged the Oshakati-based Rani Group to amicably resolve the ongoing dispute with its workers before the movement takes decisive action against the company. This call comes in the wake of Social Activist Michael Amushelelo’s threat earlier this week to shut down one of Rani Group’s shops in Windhoek. Amushelelo alleges that the company suspended over 100 employees at its Oshakati branch. In a letter addressed to Rani Group Director, Ali Dharani, Immanuel expressed deep concern about the alleged mistreatment and unfair compensation of Rani…

22 Dec

NamRA seized goods after detecting transit irregularities

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), has raised a red flag over a series of irregularities in transit procedures at checkpoints nationwide, with intercepted goods and vehicles declared at values far below their actual worth during a recent operation at the Windhoek-Okahandja checkpoint. According to NamRa Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, items seized include a Range Rover Sport declared at a mere 1000 euros, a Mercedes Benz truck undervalued at 3750 euros, and an Iveco truck with a declared value of 2500 euros. He said NamRA officials uncovered a disturbing trend of false declarations aimed…