Observer Money

Protesters maintain innocence over protest arrests …as charges against 24 are dropped

Protesters maintain innocence over protest arrests …as charges against 24 are dropped

Clifton Movirongo and Helena Johannes Nearly 25 protestors who were arrested on Saturday during a march against gender-based violence (GBV) and rape in the central business district (CBD) of Windhoek, maintain they did nothing wrong. They claim their arrest was unwarranted. This comes after the protesters, who were arrested by the Namibian Police on Saturday, had all charges against them dropped on Monday after the Prosecutor-General declined to prosecute the case. The 24 had been charged with breaking the health and safety regulations, participating in an illegal demonstration and disturbing peace. However, the protesters’ leaders denied the allegations of breaching…
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Youth condemn police brutality …as Ndeitunga is unrepentant

Youth condemn police brutality …as Ndeitunga is unrepentant

Andrew Kathindi Namibian youth have condemned the actions of police over the weekend after 24 young people were arrested while protesting against gender-based violence (GBV) and rape. This comes after Inspector General of the Namibian Police; Sebastian Ndeitunga on Monday defended the police action, stating that protestors, including four journalists were arrested for “acting outside the scope of a peaceful protest.” “It’s very unfortunate the response that came from the Police, especially the side of the special reserve force. Being on the ground since day one, being in support of the protest, we have not observed any form of violence…
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Suspect in court charged with Shannon’s murder

Suspect in court charged with Shannon’s murder

Helena Johannes A Walvis Bay resident, Azaan Madisia (28) made her first court appearance in the Walvis Bay magistrate court on charges of murder and obstruction of court of law in connection with Shannon Wasserfall’s disappearance. The suspect was denied bail and the case postponed to 07 December 2020 for further investigations. Her arrest and arraignment before the courts is the first major breakthrough in the case since the disappearance of Wasserfall more than six months ago. Chief Inspector Sam Shilemba told the Windhoek Observer that Madisia is the only suspect that has been arrested in connection with Wasserfall’s disappearance.…
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Geingob’s advisor lands board seat

Geingob’s advisor lands board seat

Staff Writer President Hage Geingob’s recently appointed Economic Advisor James Mnyupe been appointed to the Road Fund Administration (RFA) board by finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi. Mnyupe joined the State House team last month as a replacement for John Steytler who resigned from his post last year. The former Allan Gray Namibia Managing Director is joined on the new look RFA board by Bank of Namibia Director of Strategic Communication, Dr Emma Haiyambo who will hold the chair. Other board members include Standard Bank Namibia Head: Human Resources Isdor Angula, Oshoveli Hivelua and Melanie Tjijenda Director: Quality Assurance, Standards, Skills Development…
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15-year PG requirement raises eyebrows

15-year PG requirement raises eyebrows

Andrew Kathindi The decision by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to change the requirements for the appointment of the next Prosecutor General (PG) has raised eye brows amid concerns the move will disenfranchise many lawyers who might be qualified and interested in the post. This comes after a vacancy was advertised for a new Prosecutor General, with clear indications to replace incumbent Martha Imalwa. One of the new requirements for the Prosecutor General post is a minimum of 15 years post admission experience. The current Prosecutor General, who has been in charge for 16 years with her contract extended by…
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GBV protesters demand Sioka’s resignation

GBV protesters demand Sioka’s resignation

Clifton Movirongo and Helena Johannes Hundreds of protesters marched to Parliament building, demanding the resignation of Gender Equality minister, Doreen Sioka, accusing her of being ‘incompetent’ and ‘inconsistent’ in a petition which they handed to Justice minister, Yvonne Dausab. The protesters are also demanding that President Hage Geingob declares a state of emergency on Gender-Based Violence (GBV). “We are here to fight for the full protection of women in our societies and we want the government to introduce a GBV State of Emergency, we also want the minister of Gender to step down as we have seen that there is…
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Police detain suspect over Shannon case …as remains arrive in Windhoek for testing

Police detain suspect over Shannon case …as remains arrive in Windhoek for testing

Andrew Kathindi The Namibian Police has announced that a woman has been detained for further questioning in connection with the discovery of humans remains, believed to be that of Shannon Wasserfall. The development comes after Tega Matheus, Wasserfall’s father revealed to the Windhoek Observer that he and his other daughter had received an anonymous SMS with the exact location of the remains, which are believed to be that of Wasserfall, who went missing on 10 April this year. “Due to the circumstances under which the human remains were discovered, the police have registered a case of murder, alternatively, defeating the…
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Young trainees driving innovation at the NamPower Training Centre

Young trainees driving innovation at the NamPower Training Centre

Sem Mathews (22) and Juan Pete Compaan (22) are two fourth year Electrical General students at NamPower’s Vocational Training Centre who are using the passion they have for their trade to create a technologically-smart NamPower. The two are at the forefront of research and development for the implementation of automated lighting for NamPower buildings. The journey that sparked this company-wide lighting automation project began when both Mathews and Compaan took part in World Skills Namibia in April 2019, a national competition that allows technical institutions and individuals to test their skills proficiency against peers in the same trade. “We first…
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COVID-19 to dominate SADC PF Plenary

COVID-19 to dominate SADC PF Plenary

Moses Magadza WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA – The SADC Parliamentary Forum will hold its 47th Plenary Assembly Session virtually from the 9th to the 11th of October 2020 under the theme: “The Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Accountability during a pandemic: The Case of COVID-19.” This would be the first time that a SADC PF Plenary takes place virtually. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has now claimed the lives of more than one million people all over the world, has prompted many organisations to suspend face-to-face meetings as they strive to continue working under safe conditions. SADC PF Secretary General Ms. Boemo Sekgoma…
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AR to file for new application with the High Court …As electoral tribunal dismisses application

AR to file for new application with the High Court …As electoral tribunal dismisses application

Clifton Movirongo The Affirmative Reposition (AR) movement says it will approach the High Court on Thursday after the Electoral Tribunal for Windhoek dismissed its application for continuous voters' registration the day before. This comes as AR in September took the government and ECN to the Electoral Tribunal pursuing an order to make the ECN to implement continuous voters' registration. One of the issues placed before the Electoral Tribunal is the decision of the Electoral Commission not to fill the casual vacancy at the Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency as required by Section 3 of the Regional Council Act 22 of 1992. AR's…
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