National News

Magistrate faces disciplinary hearing over conflict of interest allegations

Magistrate faces disciplinary hearing over conflict of interest allegations

Allexer Namundjembo Keetmanshoop District Magistrate Unchen Konjore is facing disciplinary action following a formal complaint that she presided over a maintenance case involving her former partner, raising concerns about a conflict of interest and judicial misconduct. The complaint, lodged by Lucia Sofia Hamana on 18 March 2024 with the Magistrates' Commission, accuses Konjore of failing to disclose her personal relationship with Heinrich Makanga Kambuli Karawora, the complainant in the matter she adjudicated. A letter of demand from Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, seen by the Windhoek Observer, outlines the allegations. The attorneys argue that Konjore’s personal connection to the complainant compromised her…
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Flood challenges lead to water rationing for northern regions

Flood challenges lead to water rationing for northern regions

Niël Terblanché Water rationing has been introduced in northern regions as the national utility, NamWater, battles operational disruptions caused by floodwaters entering a key supply canal between Oshakati and the Callueque Dam. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the measures are essential to relieve pressure on the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant, which has seen both water quality and production capacity compromised in recent days. According to Ndamanomhata, the rationing, which came into effect on Monday and will continue until the end of May, affects areas serviced by the Oshakati facility. “Water supply to areas supplied by the Oshakati plant will have…
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Political parties condemn Usakos killings

Political parties condemn Usakos killings

Allexer Namundjembo  Several political parties have condemned the brutal killings of six members of one family in Usakos, calling for justice, accountability, and urgent intervention to address social challenges facing the country. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved the murder of four minors, a teenager, and an elderly woman. A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested and appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody while police investigations continue. Authorities suspect the victims were killed with an axe before their remains were set alight. In a statement issued on Monday, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement condemned what it described…
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Hotel De Duine, Swakopmund Abattoir breached labour laws

Hotel De Duine, Swakopmund Abattoir breached labour laws

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has directed the management of Hotel De Duine in Henties Bay and the Swakopmund Abattoir to implement immediate corrective measures after investigations confirmed breaches of labour laws at both establishments. Following complaints that surfaced on social media, the ministry dispatched labour inspectors to assess the situation at these undertakings. At Hotel De Duine, investigators focused on a letter circulated internally, which stated: “All gratuities will remain the property of the hotel for distribution among personnel as per its own judgment or to cover costs. A portion of total gratuity received by…
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Pride of lions terrorising villagers

Pride of lions terrorising villagers

Allexer Namundjembo A pride of nine lions has been roaming freely in villages in the Judea Lyamboloma Constituency in the Zambezi region in the past days. According to the constituency councillor Divai Humphrey, the situation has caused fear in the community and frustration over what the locals say is a lack of action from the authorities.  “A pride of nine lions is believed to be on the loose, terrorising communities and preying on livestock. In the morning when I spoke to one of the villagers, seven livestock had been killed by the said lions, but I believe the number has…
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Zambezi police officer arrested for aiding inmates to escape

Zambezi police officer arrested for aiding inmates to escape

Allexer Namundjembo A police officer stationed at the Goma Police Station in the Zambezi region was arrested on Saturday for opening a holding cell, which led to the escape of five trial awaiting prisoners.  The Zambezi Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Andreas Shilelo, confirmed the incident, revealing that two Namibians and three Zambians were among the escapees. Shilelo said the officer acted alone and failed to inform fellow officers before opening the holding cell. “The inmates did not use force to escape. They simply fled after the cell was opened,” he said. By Monday, four of the five escapees were re-arrested.…
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Duneside High faces backlash for holding organ donation lecture

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Duneside Private High School in Walvis Bay is under scrutiny after learners attended a lecture on organ donation awareness without parental consent. The matter has sparked concerns from parents and community leaders over the handling of sensitive topics involving minors. The incident involved a lecture by international organ donation advocate Anil Srivatsa, hosted by the Walvis Bay Rotary Club at the Protea Indongo Hotel. However, parents were not informed beforehand, and no consent was sought for the students to attend. “I was shocked when I found out about the event through social media. It was disappointing to learn…
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Auas Primary School principal accused of undermining Khoekhoegowab

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Education is investigating allegations that Auas Primary School principal Toini Nauyoma is sidelining the Khoekhoegowab language and undermining the cultural identity of the Damara/Nama community. The probe follows complaints from parents and community members who say the school, located in a predominantly Damara people residential area, Windhoek, is shifting away from its cultural roots by reducing the presence of Khoekhoegowab and promoting other languages, particularly Oshikwanyama. “The situation is currently under investigation, and the ministry will provide more details once a formal report on the investigation has been issued,” said ministry spokesperson Sam Shino. Auas…
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Luvindao calls for action on maternal deaths

Luvindao calls for action on maternal deaths

Niël Terblanché At the World Health Day commemoration in Katima Mulilo on Monday, the minister of health and social services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, addressed the pressing issue of maternal mortality in Namibia. She described many causes of maternal deaths as preventable tragedies that require urgent action. “Improved antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, exclusive breastfeeding, and better nutrition could further reduce these fatalities,” Luvindao said while stressing the necessity of people taking more time to care for and help each other. She also expressed concern that only 49% of mothers in Namibia practise exclusive breastfeeding, a factor contributing to child stunting.…
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NamWater deploys water tanker to assist flood-affected Opuwo residents

NamWater deploys water tanker to assist flood-affected Opuwo residents

Niël Terblanché NamWater has deployed a water tanker in Opuwo to provide interim relief to residents still affected by a major disruption to the town’s water supply. The water tanker is supplying water to communities such as Olushandja and Katutura, which remain without piped connections following flood-related damage to key infrastructure. The national water utility’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the company has made progress in restoring water services after last week’s flooding severely impacted Opuwo. “The 300 millimetre diameter feeder pipeline connecting three critical boreholes to the collector reservoir has been successfully reinstated. This, together with the reactivation of borehole…
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