Uncategorised – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

14 Sep

Conradie fined N$200 000 in ACC case

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Patience Makwele Veteran lawyer Dirk Conradie has been ordered to pay a N$200 000 fine or serve five years in prison after being convicted on two charges under the Anti-Corruption Act. Judge Thomas Masuku handed down the sentence in the Windhoek High Court on Monday. The case stems from a 2012 MTC advertising tender worth about N$60 million, during which Conradie was chairperson of the company’s board. He was accused of using his influence to help secure the tender for DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi in connection with an arrangement involving his co-accused, Sara Damases. Damases, who was also convicted on…

13 Sep

Man dies after allegedly shooting partner in Okongo

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Police are investigating a case of attempted murder read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, as well as suicide, following a shooting incident at Shapopi location in Okongo on 12 September. According to the police, the incident occurred at about 10h00 when a 46-year-old Namibian man allegedly shot his 43-year-old girlfriend, injuring her in the head and right arm. The man thereafter allegedly turned the firearm on himself and sustained a serious head injury. Both were initially taken to Okongo State Hospital before being transferred to Onandjokwe State Hospital for further treatment. The man reportedly died from his…

13 Sep

Three suicide cases reported over weekend

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Sostenus Wilherm Three men died in separate suspected suicide incidents reported across Namibia between 11 and 13 September 2026, according to the Namibian Police weekend serious incidents report. The incidents involved men aged 25, 42 and 45, with the cases reported in Ombili, Oothadhambuku and Oghudi villages. In the first case, police reported that a 25-year-old Namibian man was found dead at a residence in Ombili on Friday morning. According to the report, the man was discovered in his room at about 06h50. Police said no foul play was suspected and that his next of kin had been informed. Later…

13 Sep

Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for nation-building in Shityuwete’s honour

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Staff Writer President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to late liberation struggle veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete, saying his life and sacrifice helped lay the foundation for Namibia’s freedom and must continue to inspire the country’s nation-building efforts. Speaking at Shityuwete’s state funeral at Pioneers Park Cemetery in Windhoek on Sunday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Shityuwete belonged to a generation that sacrificed its youth, freedom, family life and personal comfort for Namibia’s independence. Shityuwete spent 16 years imprisoned on Robben Island, in addition to two years in pre-trial detention - a total of 18 years in prison for standing against injustice and fighting…

12 Sep

NNN puts 24-hour limit on GBV protection orders

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Renthia Kaimbi President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for protection orders issued under the Combating of Domestic Violence Act to be served within 24 hours, without exception, as government moves to strengthen its response to gender-based violence (GBV) and address gaps in the implementation of laws meant to protect victims. Nandi-Ndaitwah made the call on Saturday while delivering her message at the National Prayer Day against GBV and gruesome killings at the Independence Arena in Windhoek. She said the expedited serving of protection orders forms part of measures being taken to close what she described as a “huge gap” between Namibia’s…

11 Sep

Helao Shityuwete belongs at Heroes’ Acre

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There are moments when a nation must pause and ask itself what, exactly, it means when it calls someone a hero. The death of Helao Joseph Shityuwete provides Namibia with precisely such a moment. The government has indicated that the liberation struggle veteran and former Robben Island political prisoner will be accorded a state funeral. That is appropriate and deserving. But we believe his contribution to Namibia’s freedom warrants an even greater national honour. Helao Shityuwete should be buried at Heroes’ Acre and accorded the status and recognition of a national hero. This is not an argument about political patronage.…

10 Sep

AR to challenge Sindano’s ECN appointment

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Sostenus Wilherm Affirmative Repositioning (AR) will approach the High Court to challenge the recommendation and approval of Gerson Sindano as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), accusing the Swapo Party and United Democratic Front (UDF) of violating the Constitution and Electoral Act. In a statement issued on Thursday, AR parliamentary caucus Chief Whip Vaino Hangula said the party’s objection was not against Sindano personally, but against the process used to appoint him. Hangula said AR members of parliament were denied access to records relating to the recommendation and appointment of ECN commissioners and the chairperson, while another MP,…

10 Sep

Conservation cannot become Namibia’s development veto

Editorial, Uncategorised

Namibia cannot eat its scenery. That may sound deliberately provocative, particularly in a country that has rightly built an international reputation for protecting its wildlife, landscapes and biodiversity. But it is an important reality as Namibia attempts to transform its economy, attract investment and create meaningful employment for a rapidly growing population. Conservation is essential. But conservation cannot become a blanket veto against economic development. National Planning Commission Director-General Dr Kaire Mbuende was therefore right to challenge the false choice between environmental protection and development. Namibia should not have to choose between protecting its natural heritage and building an economy…

07 Sep

Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan has died

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Staff Writer Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died at the age of 76. Hassan died this morning at around 08h00 at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been receiving treatment for a heart condition. Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death, extending condolences to the President, her family and the people of Tanzania. An agriculturalist, Hassan married Suluhu Hassan in 1978, and the couple had four children. He largely kept a low public profile after his wife became Tanzania’s president in 2021, making him the country’s first First Gentleman.…

06 Sep

Woman dies by suicide in Hochland Park

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Sostenus Wilherm A 24-year-old woman, identified as Catlin Beukes, allegedly hanged herself at a residence in Kelkiewyn Street, Hochland Park, Windhoek, on Saturday. According to police, the incident occurred at around 14h30 following an alleged argument between Beukes and her husband outside their home. She reportedly went inside the main bedroom, where she hanged herself with an electrical cable inside a wardrobe. Her next of kin was informed, while police investigations are continuing. #WindhoekObserver