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IPC’s move to shut down media draws mixed reactions

IPC’s move to shut down media draws mixed reactions

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has decided to withhold media comments about the electoral process until 30 January 2025. This move has elicited mixed reactions from political analysts, the media, and party members. Graham Hopwood, the executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), supports the decision. Graham Hopwood, the executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), defended the decision, saying it aligns with the party’s focus on presenting its legal arguments in court. Hopwood stressed the importance of prioritising the legal process over public commentary. “Given that the case before the…
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Ovaherero Nama chiefs’ assembly rejects planned genocide roadshows

Ovaherero Nama chiefs’ assembly rejects planned genocide roadshows

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Chiefs’ Assembly of Okandjoze has rejected the Namibian government’s planned roadshows to provide feedback on the Joint Declaration (JD) negotiated with Germany regarding the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero, Ovambanderu, and Nama communities. The roadshows, set to begin today, 18 December, aim to inform affected communities about the bilateral agreement, which has sparked widespread criticism and rejection. In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the Assembly accused the government of sidelining affected communities and attempting to secure acceptance for the controversial agreement. “We as the Chiefs’ Assembly distance ourselves and our communities from the envisaged JD roadshows…
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Nampol intensifies fight against drug trafficking

Nampol intensifies fight against drug trafficking

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibian Police intensified its fight against the ever-growing drug problem, with more and more illegal substances being detected at border posts. This has prompted urgent action to tackle drug trafficking, possession, and abuse, which continue to endanger the nation, particularly its youth. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer, Nampol’s spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi reaffirmed the force’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes, declaring that the police are “ever ready” to tackle this escalating issue. “We have always fought against drug trafficking, possession, dealing, and usage of these substances,” she said. Shikwambi revealed alarming statistics for November…
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Extradition plans unclear in ambassador’s son’s stabbing case

Extradition plans unclear in ambassador’s son’s stabbing case

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) has stated that it is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the relevant authorities into the death of the son of Namibia’s ambassador to Cuba, Samuel Goagoseb. The case involves allegations that the ambassador’s son, Enrico Nerongo, fatally stabbed his younger brother during an altercation at the diplomatic residence in Havana. Bertha Amakali, director of information and research at MIRCO, confirmed that the ministry’s actions regarding the incident would be guided by the investigation's findings and in line with ministerial policies and procedures. “The ministry’s action in relation to…
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Robbery suspect shot by police

Robbery suspect shot by police

Martin Endjala One robbery suspect was shot on Tuesday and four more were arrested after members of the Windhoek City Police reacted swiftly to reports of a break-in at a house in Khomasdal. The police then arrested the suspects in Grysblock on Florence Nightingale Street, at the four-way stop, between Papa G's Chicken and a car wash. The Namibian Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed this on Tuesday. The suspects face charges of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, according to a preliminary report. The incident occurred at around 11h57 in Hofsanger Street, Khomasdal. The five suspects allegedly…
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Festive wheels or costly deals?

Festive wheels or costly deals?

Hertta-Maria Amutenja As the festive season approaches, many people are using their year-end bonuses and savings to fulfil their dream of owning a car. For some, it is about gaining independence, while others simply want to be mobile and make travel during the holidays more convenient. However, the excitement of buying a second-hand car can quickly turn into a nightmare. Hidden issues, inflated prices, and vague regulations often leave consumers frustrated and feeling cheated. Windhoek resident Maria Haufiku knows this all too well. Haufiku says she started her journey to car ownership with high expectations. “I was excited to get…
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Nedbank volleyball tournament set for Swakopmund

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Organisers of the third edition of the 2024 Nedbank Volley 1st Tournament, scheduled for 21 December at Mole in Swakopmund, have confirmed that all systems are for the highly anticipated social event. Nedbank Namibia has partnered with Connect People to People (CPTP) for this year's tournament, moving it from the northern parts of the country to the coast for the first time, according to a statement this week from Nedbank spokesperson Selma Kaulinge. The tournament's first two editions took place in the north, but this year, according to CPTP representative Dave Hammond, the focus has shifted to Swakopmund…
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Mbakera leaves FC Ongos

Mbakera leaves FC Ongos

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Football Club Ongos and former head coach Mervin Mbakera have parted ways following the club's poor performance, which saw them end at the bottom of the log in the Debmarine Premiership under Mbakera’s reign. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club confirmed the departure of Mbakera, stating that the mutually agreed upon contract termination is effective from 17 December 2024. “FC Ongos would like to announce that the club and coach Mbakera have mutually agreed to terminate the agreement effective 17 December 2024. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to coach Mervin Mbakera for his…
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Telecom Namibia hack: Namibia’s Cybersecurity wake-up call

Setson Tangeni Haidula The recent hacking of Telecom Namibia has exposed serious flaws in the nation’s approach to cybersecurity. Sensitive data was reportedly compromised, exposing vulnerabilities in critical systems—an event that underscores how unprepared we are for modern digital threats. This breach isn’t just Telecom’s problem; it reflects the vulnerability of Namibia’s digital infrastructure, including public institutions and government ministries. It’s a wake-up call to take cybersecurity as seriously as other countries have done. Namibia’s approach to cybersecurity is outdated and reactive. For instance, the United States established the National Security Agency (NSA) as a central pillar of its cyber…
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Lack of oversight and legislation blamed for cyber attack

Lack of oversight and legislation blamed for cyber attack

Niël Terblanché The absence of a robust Data Protection Act and more stringent regulatory oversight by Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is partly to blame for the massive cyber terrorist attack on the country’s key telecommunications provider and other government institutions almost three weeks ago. Paul Rowley of My Digital Bridge Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of marginalized communities through equitable access to technology, said a comprehensive data protection act in Namibia could have significantly reduced the damage caused by the attack. He explained that the Act could have established clear guidelines and obligations for…
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