National News

Niël Terblanché The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has assured the public that the Namibian Police’s general crime-fighting and prevention efforts will be intensified this year to ensure the safety of all. “I would like to indicate that the 2025 crime prevention operations, traffic law enforcement, anti-poaching operations, and efforts against drug trafficking and dealings will be intensified,” he said. Shikongo said during a special briefing on Monday when he voiced serious concern over the increasing incidents of child exploitation through prostitution and the spread of child pornography. According to him the police and other law…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Employers in the fuel retail, security, and hospitality sectors have issued retrenchment notices and threatened to alter employees' benefits in response to the national minimum wage (NMW) implementation order. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has described this as retaliatory actions by certain employers. The MUN’s general secretary, George Ampweya revealed that the union is aware of one such employer, Engen Swakopmund Truck Port. “The employer has informed employees about plans to remove the housing allowance of about N$1 400 to increase their wages to the minimum required level. Additionally, they have proposed removing the annual bonus, which…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Reinhold Shipwikineni has raised objections to the legal costs awarded against him after his case against Swapo and its presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was struck off the court roll last October. The High Court in December ordered Shipwikineni to pay N$382 768 in legal costs, which included N$158 500 for lawyer fees and N$224 268 in disbursement fees. The court ordered Shipwikineni to pay the respondents' legal fees despite striking the case from the roll. Shipwikineni is now objecting to the legal cost award, stating it is unfair to hold him personally responsible for the costs, especially when…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service has issued a stern warning to young people against a fraudulent internship programme circulating on social media, exploiting job-seekers' desperation. According to a notice issued by the ministry's public relations office on Tuesday, the scam, falsely claiming to represent it, is enticing individuals to apply for an "Internship Program 2025" by clicking on a suspicious link. The notice states that the fraudulent post, which lists various duty stations across the country - including Windhoek, Katima Mulilo, Divundu, Oshakati, Khomas, Rundu, and Otjiinene - urges potential applicants to use the link…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has imposed a ban on the importation and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from Germany in order to protect Namibia’s livestock industry. The restriction follows a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany on 10 January 2025. The disease has been confirmed in a herd of water buffalo near Brandenberg, in the Markisch Odèland district of Germany (to the west of Berlin). Announcing the measure, Johannes Shoopala, the acting chief veterinary officer, said the ban aims to safeguard Namibia’s prized animal health status. "This decision is in…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Opposition parties have criticised President Nangolo Mbumba for extending a message of solidarity message to the president of the United States of America, Joe Biden and the people of California following six days of deadly wildfires. Mbumba, in his message, said Namibia stands with the people of California during this difficult hour and wishes them strength. “As a country that is disproportionately affected by a warming planet, Namibia stands ready to work with the American government and like-minded nations to deal with the scourge of climate change,” he said. However, opposition parties accused Mbumba of failing to extend…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in the Erongo region confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the brutal panga attack and armed robbery of an elderly couple in Henties Bay last week. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the police’s community affairs division in Erongo, the suspects were apprehended on Sunday morning, mere days after the attack that left Alexander Grobler (77) and his wife, Martha Maria Grobler (69), hospitalised. The attack occurred on Wednesday night when the suspects broke into the Groblers’ home situated on Henties Bay’s main road. Armed with pangas, they assaulted the…

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has raised over N$3 500 to provide food and clothing for families affected by recent floods in Windhoek. Fritz Kaufman, the IPC's Khomas regional commander, made the announcement on Friday. “We have collected that money, which was used to secure food hampers and some clothing,” Kaufman said. He stressed the party’s commitment to supporting the community during times of crisis and expressed gratitude to all contributors, highlighting the importance of solidarity in adversity. Kaufman confirmed that the handover of the donations would take place this week. The IPC’s relief efforts are part…

Allexer Namundjebo The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the procurement of equipment necessary to complete the Oshaambelo Livestock Development Centre has been completed. The equipment was acquired late last year as part of ongoing efforts to finalise the project, which has faced delays since its inception in 2008. In a video released by the ministry, the executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata visited the incomplete centre on 14 December to assess progress and identify shortfalls. The ministry explained that the evaluation is part of preparations for infrastructure upgrades under the Livestock Support Program. “This initiative seeks to enhance agricultural infrastructure, improve…

Niël Terblanché President Nicolás Maduro Moros was sworn in for his third term as the leader of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Friday The inauguration ceremony, held in Caracas, was attended by various international dignitaries, including a Namibian delegation led by Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Matundu served as the special envoy of President Nangolo Mbumba during the visit. According to international media reports, the event took place amid significant international controversy. The 2024 Venezuelan presidential election faced widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia claimed victory after stating that the…