Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjembo Former Lüderitz mayor Philipus Balhao says he is considering contesting the upcoming regional and local authority elections after resigning from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and from his position as mayor this week. Balhao confirmed his intentions to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, a day after his resignation. “We have not made a conclusive decision yet, but I am working on a strategy. We are considering creating a ratepayers’ association with devoted citizens from an apolitical perspective. Right now, it is still just an idea, and we are putting more heads together. We haven’t made any firm…

Allexer Namundjembo A Usakos resident, Melvin Areseb, is suing the Namibian Police for N$3 million after claiming he was unlawfully arrested, assaulted, and abandoned by police officers. His lawyers, Sisa Namandje & Co. Inc., set out the allegations in a letter of demand dated 19 September 2025 to inspector general Joseph Shikongo. The letter states that in August, Areseb was taken from his home in Usakos by warrant officer Jonas Flai, Constable Raphael Kaundu, and Constable Willem Jantze.  “It is apparent that the members of the Namibian police arrived at our client’s residence at around 03:00 am, while our client…

Allexer Namundjembo Opposition members of parliament have questioned  the Ministry of Works and Transport over government spending on luxury vehicles and ballooning office rental costs.  They also raised concern about the absence of a complete asset register to track state properties and vehicles. On Wednesday, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader  McHenry Venaani criticized the procurement of luxury vehicles such as Toyota Prados while the country faces fiscal constraints.  In March, the ministry confirmed spending N$20 million to procure 20 Toyota Prados to supplement the vehicle fleet.  Earlier this month, it announced plans to auction 1 500 government vehicles that have…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Road safety activist Felix Tjozongoro says government neglect of safe pedestrian infrastructure is costing lives.  His comments follow the death of a 20-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle on the Western Bypass on Tuesday morning while attempting to cross the B1 highway at the bridge from Hakahana Service Station to China Town.  The man succumbed to his injuries instantly. Three passengers in the vehicle were injured.  The Windhoek City Police confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of his family. Tjozongoro said the tragedy…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Charcoal activities are suspected to have caused a wildfire that broke out in Etosha National Park this week.  The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) confirmed yesterday that the fire likely started with nearby charcoal production before spreading into the park. According to the ministry, the blaze began outside the park on Monday evening and moved into the south-western parts of Etosha, pushed by strong winds and dry vegetation. MEFT spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela said firefighting teams are struggling to contain the fire.  “Despite efforts, the blaze remains difficult to contain and is advancing rapidly in several directions,”…