National News – Page 265 – Windhoek Observer

30 Apr

Namibia to champion press freedom at global conference in Chile

National NewsEmma Theofelus

Niël Terblanché Namibia's recognition as the African leader in press freedom has placed it at the forefront of the global dialogue on media independence and environmental journalism. The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, is set to lead a delegation to the 31st World Press Freedom Day global conference in Santiago, Chile from 2 -4 May. This was confirmed by MICT acting executive director Frans Nghitila on Tuesday in a media statement. “With a theme focused on the critical role of journalism in addressing the environmental crisis, the conference will explore how freedom of expression can contribute to…

30 Apr

NEKA refutes division and alleged unlawful congress

National NewsNamibian Exile Kids Association (NEKA)

Martin Endjala The Namibian Exile Kids Association (NEKA), has refuted allegations that it held a non-constitutional congress and that there was tension between some of the delegates. The association’s secretary general, Elizabeth Shimwafeni, in a media statement issued on Monday, refuted this after the association’s congress last month. Shimwafeni also dismissed allegations of division within the association. “If anything, NEKA protected the democratic principles on which this country was established. As heirs to the Namibian revolution, this was a test on how ready we are to protect and guide the same democracy for which so many perished and crossed rivers…

30 Apr

GRN accused of not doing enough to combat GBV

National NewsBrian Black

Hertta-Maria Amutenja and Niël Terblanché Windhoek East constituency councillor, Brian Black says the government is not doing enough to curb gender-based violence (GBV). Black made the comments following the murder of 40-year-old Delia Angelique Maasdorp, the former wife of Advocate Ramon Maasdorp. Namibia has in recent weeks experienced an increasing number of cases of women being killed by their partners. According to the police report, the body of the victim was discovered in her flat in the Eucalyptus complex in Eros on Sunday afternoon after a friend assisted by the police and a representative of the body corporate gained entry…

29 Apr

Relatives raise concerns over the safety of Fishrot accused in prison

National NewsTamson Hatuikulipi

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Relatives of some of the Fishrot accused have voiced their concerns regarding the safety of their relatives currently held at the central correctional facility in Windhoek. On Monday a group demonstrated in front of the Windhoek Correctional Facility to express concerns over the planned relocation of some of the accused persons from holding cells in the C Section of the prison to the Echo Section. Naphtali Hatuikulipi, a cousin of both James and Tamson Hatuikulipi questioned the motives behind the decision to move the high-profile prisoners and pleaded that their safety be ensured. “Why would you want to…

29 Apr

GRN ensures safety of drought-relief food amidst delays

National Newsr John Mutorwa

Niël Terblanché In response to growing concerns regarding the distribution of drought relief food in Namibia, efforts are intensifying to confirm the safety of un-sifted maize meal provided to affected communities. This development comes after Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorwa expressed concerns about delays in delivering essential food supplies to drought-stricken areas, particularly in Kavango East, where more than 44,000 individuals grapple with the harsh realities of an ongoing drought. During his visit to Kavango East last week, Mutorwa also expressed concerns about the pace of aid distribution. “The region only received its initial consignment of drought relief food in…

29 Apr

Murdered woman found wrapped in a blanket

National NewsDelia Angelique Maasdorp, Ramon Maasdorp

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in Windhoek have started an in-depth investigation into the murder of 40-year-old Delia Angelique Maasdorp, the former wife of Advocate Ramon Maasdorp. According to the police report the body of the victim was discovered in her flat in the Eucalyptus complex in Eros on Sunday afternoon after a friend assisted by the police and a representative of the body corporate gained entry to the flat by opening one of the windows. Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, a member of the Namibian Police’s public relations division, said in the report that the body was found in the…

28 Apr

Alweendo clarifies entitlement remarks

National News

Martin Endjala The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo says that Namibians must ready themselves if they want to participate in the oil and gas sector. Alweendo was clarifying his remarks of entitlement which he said was misconstrued. "I was saying, As Namibian companies and entrepreneurs, whether it is going to be in the oil and gas sectors or mineral sectors. Let us not sit back and hope that somebody is going to do it for us. It won't happen, but it will only happen through hard work. I know what I said has been misconstrued by the media…

28 Apr

The AR student body barred from holding meetings at UNAM campus.

National News

Ester Mbathera The Affirmative Repositioning Student Commands (ARSC) faced an unexpected hurdle when attempting to host its opening ceremony at the main campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM) in Windhoek on Friday afternoon. This came after their approval to host the event on campus was retracted by the assistant director for student services and residences, Lazarus Shatipamba, a day before the event. In a letter to ARSC dated April 25th, seen by the Windhoek Observer, claimed that the booked venue was no longer available. "We are kindly advising you to make alternative arrangements to host your event somewhere off…

28 Apr

RedForce approaches High Court to intervene in its contract termination

National News

Martin Endjala RedForce Debt Management (RDM) has filed an urgent application to the High Court to intervene in the termination of its contract by the Walvis Bay Municipality Council. According to a notice of motion dated 27 April and the founding affidavit of RDM's chief operations officer, Selma Nangombe, the termination of the contract is unlawful and devastating to its operations. The urgent application to be filed on 30 April, through its legal practitioner Karel Gaeb, under the Sisa Namamdje law firm, is seeking to put aside the decision taken by the Walvis Bay Council on 23 April. "The purpose…

28 Apr

Young mother faces wrath of the law after abandoning baby

National News

Niël Terblanché Detectives of the Namibian Police in Walvis Bay on Saturday arrested a 24-year-old woman who is suspected of abandoning her 16-month-old baby in the dunes 200 meters from the road between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The reason for abandoning her baby will be determined when she appears in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court this week. On Saturday, the Namibian Police distributed information requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the baby girl and her mother. Shortly afterwards, it was established that the mother makes a living by selling kapana in the Kuisebmond area. Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head…