Informanté

19/02/2025

Schlettwein tables motivational speech to expand communal land in three regions

Staff Reporter

THE Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, has appealed to Members of Parliament to approve the expansion of communal land in Otjimbingwe in the Erongo Region, Aminuis in the Omaheke Region, and Ovitoto in the Otjozondjupa Region.

He added that after persistently receiving requests from Traditional Authorities and individuals for settlement and for the expansion of Traditional Authorities’ communal areas due to the unavailability of grazing areas for their livestock, the ministry acquired four commercial farms at the cost of N$66.9 million with the purpose of relieving grazing pressure on communal areas.

The farms include the remaining extent of Portion A of Farm Okongava, No. 72, measuring 15,160.19 hectares. This farm will be added to the Otjimbingwe communal area.

Another farm, he said, is Farm Osema No. 63, measuring 5,374.39 hectares, which will be added to the Ovitoto communal area, while Farm Gusinde No. 197, measuring 3,753.93 hectares, will also be added to the Ovitoto communal area. Lastly, Farm Alpha, No. 628, measuring 6,767.6098 hectares, will be added to the Aminuis communal area.

The combined sizes of the above farms are 31,056.1198 hectares.

Schlettwein said that slightly more than half of Namibia’s national cattle herd is kept by farmers living on communal land.

“Given the above, you will agree with me that the grazing area in communal areas needs to be managed sustainably and, consequently, where congestion and resulting overgrazing are evident, measures to decongest by enlarging such communal areas are required. Namibia has expanded Traditional Authorities’ communal areas before. This was done as a means of restorative measure by giving land to the Namibians and to relieve grazing pressure on communal areas,” Schlettwein said.

He added that the expansion of communal areas is in line with the First and Second National Land Conference Resolutions, which noted that communal areas sustain a great majority of Namibian farmers, especially subsistence farmers.

“The said Conference therefore concluded that communal areas be retained, developed, and expanded. This was due to the fact that the majority of the Namibian people live in overcrowded communal areas with limited grazing areas. I must further state here that the expansion of communal areas was also supported by our late President, Dr Hage Geingob (May his legacy continue to inspire us). The late President directed that communal areas must be expanded to relieve grazing pressure. I therefore once more appeal to you, Hon. Members, to approve the expansion of Otjimbingwe, Aminuis, and Ovitoto communal land,” Schlettwein concluded.

19/02/2025

Domestic workers loot employer's house in Oshikoto and disappear

Staff Reporter

TWO Angolan nationals are on the run after they allegedly looted a traditional homestead they were recruited to guard in the Oshikoto Region.

The Windhoek-based owner of the house in Okatope village, Onyaanya Constituency, has registered a criminal case at the local police station and simultaneously launched a public appeal for assistance to trace the two suspects — a husband and wife — who are known only by their first (possibly false) names: Haufiku and Nandjala.

They have two minor male children and speak a non-Oshiwambo dialect from the family of languages commonly spoken in the Huila and Namibe provinces of Angola.

The house owner said she found the couple at a job seekers' hub in Ondangwa during the December holidays and employed them as domestic workers to take care of her homestead in her absence.

But when she returned to the North this past weekend, she found the homestead looted and deserted.

Stolen items include newly bought construction materials that were locked away in a corrugated iron shack.

She found the door locked, and nothing appeared to be amiss until she noticed that some corrugated iron sheets were not as they were before.

Only upon close inspection did she realize that the suspects had entered the shack by removing some iron sheets and then nailing them back after stealing the construction materials.

She suspects that the stolen items were secretly sold to local people before the couple absconded.

"Anyone with information on their whereabouts, please report them to the nearest police station or contact me directly at 081 365 0764," she said, before warning that the male suspect is known to carry a panga and is possibly dangerous. "Don't try to apprehend him; simply report the couple's whereabouts."
Caption:

ON THE RUN: The couple and their two children, pictured in December inside the traditional homestead at Okatope.

19/02/2025

NAMCOR announces completion of drilling at PEL 85 in Orange Basin

Business Reporter

THE National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), on behalf of the PEL 85 joint venture partners Rhino Resources, has announced the completion of drilling operations for the Sagittarius-1X exploration well in Block 2914, located in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia.

Drilling commenced on 18 December 2024 using the Noble Venturer drillship and successfully reached total depth on 6 February 2025.

The well targeted Upper Cretaceous reservoirs and encountered a hydrocarbon-bearing formation with no observed water contact. Comprehensive wireline logging operations were conducted, enabling the collection of hydrocarbon samples and sidewall cores for further analysis. Laboratory evaluation will confirm fluid and reservoir properties.

With drilling operations on Sagittarius-1X now concluded, the drillship has moved to the next well in the campaign, Capricornus-1X, which is expected to test a separate fairway within PEL 85.

"The successful drilling of the Sagittarius-1X well marks a significant step for Namibia’s upstream sector, further strengthening the country’s position in the Orange Basin. The presence of hydrocarbons is an encouraging indicator of the basin’s potential, and we look forward to collaborating with our joint venture partners to fully assess the results of this well," said NAMCOR’s Executive: Upstream Exploration, Victoria Sibeya.

She concluded that NAMCOR remains committed to working alongside its partners to advance Namibia’s energy exploration efforts while contributing to the country’s energy security and economic development.

Photo: NAMCOR

19/02/2025

Security guard's gun stolen while he was sleeping on duty

Staff Reporter

THE State has opened a case of negligent loss of a firearm against a security guard, 49-year-old Isak Uushona, who lost his service gun while on duty at a business outlet in Ongwediva recently.

He has already appeared in the Oshakati Magistrate's Court on a charge of contravening Section 38 (4)(k) of the Fi****ms Act of 1996.

Uushona, who is employed by Bertha Security Services CC, was deployed on a night shift at Mykos Bar and Mini Market in Old Ongwediva, where he allegedly fell asleep at around 03:00. When he woke up later, his shotgun was gone.

The thief is not known, and the gun has not yet been recovered.

Bertha Security's Simeon Linus said that what happened was unexpected and unacceptable because the company's rules are clear, and the guards undergo rigorous training in weapons handling and other security-related matters.

According to Linus, an internal disciplinary process is ongoing, but Uushona has neither been fired nor suspended yet.

Uushona's direct supervisor, David Kornelius, said that Uushona has many years of experience as a security guard and knows the ins and outs of weapon handling.

"He has no excuses for what happened and has, in fact, readily admitted his fault," said Kornelius.

19/02/2025

Man wanted for ra**ng minor

Maria David

A MANHUNT launched by police in the Oshana Region for a 27-year-old man accused of ra**ng and impregnating a 15-year-old girl in Ompundja village.

Oshana Crime Investigation Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Frederick Ndjadila said the alleged incident occurred in December but was only reported to police on Tuesday after the victim's grandmother discovered she was one month pregnant.

According to Ndjadila, the victim received a text message from the suspect to meet at a specific house.

“During the meeting, the suspect allegedly touched the victim's breasts, then lifted her and forced her to the ground before ra**ng her,” he said.

He added that the victim is now one month pregnant as a result of the alleged assault.

The suspect remains at large.

18/02/2025

Man commits su***de and leaves note with Bible texts and inheritance instructions

Staff Reporter

BONIFATIUS Petrus, a 47-year-old resident of Ondiamande village in the Uukwiyuushona Constituency, committed su***de by hanging himself from the ceiling of his sleeping room. His body was found by his sister, who went to check on him after he failed to wake up early to work in the field as he usually does.

A su***de note was found on top of his bed, stating who should inherit his cattle and also including texts from the Bible.

18/02/2025

Man run over after sitting in road

Staff Reporter

A MAN who worked at a lodge in the Usakos area was run over by a vehicle after he allegedly sat in the road.

According to Senior Inspector Judith Shomongula, the incident happened on Sunday, 16 February 2025, about 25 km from Usakos to Tubusis at around 21:00.

"A male person was hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser while he was allegedly sitting on the road. According to the driver, there was a vehicle coming from the Tubusis direction, and the driver of that vehicle started flashing the lights. He later realized that the driver was warning him about the person sitting on the road, whom he suddenly saw at very close range and eventually hit. The deceased was declared dead at the scene by Usakos paramedics. He was employed at Hoheinstein Lodge in the Usakos area," Shomongula said.

She added that the next of kin have not yet been informed and that police investigations continue.

18/02/2025

Toddler drowns in water bucket

Maria David

A THIRTEEN-MONTH-OLD baby boy tragically died after falling into a bucket of water at his home in Oshakati.

Oshana Crime Investigation Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Frederick Ndjadila, said the incident occurred around 23:30 on Monday at the family's residence in the Pohamba location.

According to Ndjadila, the baby's mother was asleep in the bedroom with him when the incident happened.

"The deceased was discovered by the father, who found him unresponsive in a 20-litre bucket that was half-filled with water," he said.

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death but do not suspect any foul play at this time.

The baby boy has not yet been named.

18/02/2025

Woman dies while sitting in a bus stuck in water near Ondangwa

Staff Reporter

A TWO-WEEKS-OLD love relationship between a 36-year-old bus driver and a 34-year-old female resident of Onamutenya village in the Omulondo area of Onayena constituency, Oshikoto Region, ended tragically when the woman died suddenly while sitting in a bus that was stuck in water near Ondangwa over the weekend.

According to the police, the deceased and her boyfriend were travelling to the boyfriend's residence in Olungalunga village in the Ondangwa Rural constituency when the bus got stuck in the water a short distance from their destination, at around 04:00.

Neighbours helped pull the bus out but failed, and two other cars that were used in the effort also got stuck.

Finally, a tractor was sent to remove the bus and the other two cars, but it got stuck too.

The police said that while efforts to remove the stuck vehicles were ongoing, the woman was sitting inside the bus, alone.

Only after the bus was removed from the water did the bus driver try to talk to his girlfriend, but he got no response and realized that she was not moving either.

She was confirmed dead on the spot.

Her relatives informed the police that she had high blood pressure, a fact confirmed by checking her health passport.

The boyfriend told the police that his love relationship with the deceased was two weeks old.

18/02/2025

Logistical arrangements underway for Nujoma's burial progressing well

Maria David

THE Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said all logistical arrangements for the ceremonies leading up to the burial of the Founding President, Sam Nujoma, are progressing well.

Nujoma passed away at the age of 95.

Theofelus, in a statement issued on Monday, indicated that arrangements, including the casket, tombstone, and other necessary preparations, are being coordinated by various government entities.

These include the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Namibia Defence Force, among others.

Meanwhile, she added that daily memorial services held at the residence of the late President will continue until the evening of Wednesday.

This will be followed by the remains of the Founding President embarking on a journey across seven regions, allowing citizens to pay their respects before his final burial.

The solemn procession will begin at his birthplace in Etunda, Okahao, in the Omusati Region on Thursday, where a State Memorial Service will be held.

She indicated that from Etunda, the remains will travel to Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region for a memorial service on Friday, followed by Rundu in the Kavango East Region on Saturday and Katima Mulilo on Sunday.

The following week, she said the memorial services will be held in Grootfontein (Otjozondjupa Region) on Monday, Walvis Bay (Erongo Region) on Tuesday, and Keetmanshoop (ǁKaras Region) before the remains are transported back to Windhoek.

“The selection of these towns was carefully considered, taking into account the vastness of our beautiful country, the limited time remaining until the burial, as well as logistical arrangements and the available infrastructure,” she said.

She added that the goal is to ensure that as many Namibians as possible have the opportunity to bid a befitting farewell to our late national hero.

Theofelus stressed that with only eight days available and fourteen regions to cover, it was necessary to cluster some regions together and designate specific towns where memorial services will be held.

She explained that this approach allows for greater inclusivity while ensuring that the proceedings run smoothly.

The body of the Founding President will lie in state at all regional memorial services.

The final memorial service and burial will take place on March 1st at Heroes' Acre, located on the outskirts of Windhoek.

18/02/2025

18/02/2025

SPYL hails Nujoma as a beacon of hope

Maria David

THE SWAPO Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary, Ephraim Nekongo, said the loss of the Founding President, Sam Nujoma—the commander, the embodiment of the liberation struggle, the architect of the liberation movement, and a beacon of hope for all Namibian people—is deeply felt.

Nekongo made the remarks during the SPYL’s special tribute memorial service to the Founding President on Monday.

According to Nekongo, Nujoma worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation and national unity in a country with a history of ethnic divisions.

“Even when it was not fashionable. He encouraged dialogue and inclusivity, and we at the SWAPO Party Youth League urge all Namibians to reject tribalism and regionalism and instead strive for unity and prosperity,” he said.

He added that SPYL, which was established during Nujoma’s leadership, remains steadfast in its principles and committed to serving as an active transmission belt for the SWAPO Party’s ideology and programs in nation-building.

Nekongo indicated that they are dedicated to executing their mandate and upholding the legacy of their Founding President.

He stressed that Nujoma’s vision and values continue to inspire them as they strive to advance the goals of unity, progress, education for the Namibian and African child, and prosperity for all Namibians.

“Nujoma was not only a leader but also the very embodiment of our struggle for freedom, justice, and solidarity,” he added.

He said that Nujoma’s unwavering commitment inspired many to join the fight for independence, paving the way for a free, independent, and sovereign Namibia.

Furthermore, Nekongo said that through the Founding President’s leadership, he implemented policies that improved education, healthcare, and housing, contributing significantly to social development.

On the international stage, Nekongo said Nujoma established Namibia as a respected member of the global community, fostering diplomatic relations and joining organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.

Thus, he said that Nujoma’s administration prioritized economic growth and development, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, land reform, and foreign investment, thereby stimulating Namibia's economy.

He stressed that they acknowledge the late President’s legacy of peace and stability, which has fostered Namibia’s democratic governance.

“His absence leaves a significant void in our hearts and in our nation. Let us find solace in the cherished memories he shared with us, which will remain eternally in our hearts,” he concluded.

18/02/2025

18/02/2025

Several dams continue to see positive inflows

Staff Reporter

SEVERAL of the country’s dams have recorded significant positive inflows over the past week.

“Notable increases have been recorded in Swakoppoort, Von Bach, Omatako, Otjivero Main, Daan Viljoen, Hardap, Neckartal, Naute, Oanob, and Omatjenne Dams, marking a continued improvement in water availability,” said Lot Ndamanomhata, Namibia Water Corporation’s (NamWater) Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications.

According to the NamWater Dam Bulletin, the Swakoppoort Dam received an inflow of 4.196 Mm³ between 10 February 2025 and Monday, 17 February 2025, raising the dam’s level to 34.0% of full capacity.

Several other dams also recorded increases in water levels between 10 February and 17 February 2025. The Von Bach Dam gained 0.549 Mm³, reaching 27.5% capacity on 17 February. The Omatako Dam saw a significant inflow of 5.917 Mm³, bringing its level to 19.0%. The Otjivero Main Dam recorded an inflow of 0.041 Mm³, increasing its level to 1.8%. The Daan Viljoen Dam gained 0.001 Mm³, reaching 10.4%, and the Omatjenne Dam saw an inflow of 0.143 Mm³, bringing its level to 2.8% on 17 February 2025.

A few months after the tragic image of the nearly-empty Hardap Dam shocked the nation, the water level at the Hardap Dam has been steadily increasing, allowing the dam to supply 100% of the irrigation needs at the Hardap Scheme. The Hardap Dam recorded a notable inflow of 5.311 Mm³ between 10 February and 17 February, raising its level to 23.9% as of Monday.

The other southern dams also saw an increase in their water levels. This includes the Oanob Dam in the Hardap Region, which gained 0.060 Mm³, raising its level to 33.6% on 17 February 2025, as well as the Neckartal Dam in the //Kharas Region, which saw a significant inflow of 10.553 Mm³, reaching 81.1% on 17 February 2025. The Naute Dam also received an inflow of 0.004 Mm³, improving its level to 31.9% on the same date.

“These inflows are encouraging, particularly for the Central Area of Namibia, where water supply remains a priority. Transfers from Swakoppoort Dam to Von Bach Dam continue to support Windhoek and surrounding areas. While these inflows provide some relief, NamWater urges the public to continue using water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability,” Ndamanomhata added.

18/02/2025

Delta plane flips upside down on landing at Toronto airport, injuring 18

A Delta Air Lines, regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Canada's Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday amid windy weather following a snowstorm, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, officials said.

Three people on flight DL4819 from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport suffered critical injuries, among them a child, a Canadian air ambulance official said, with 15 others also immediately taken to hospitals.

Some of the injured have since been released, Delta said late on Monday.

The U.S. carrier said a CRJ900 aircraft operated by its Endeavour Air subsidiary was involved in a single-aircraft accident with 76 passengers and four crew members on board.

The 16-year-old CRJ900, made by Canada's Bombardier and powered by GE Aerospace engines, can seat up to 90 people. At least one of the two wings was no longer attached to the plane, video showed after the accident.

Canadian authorities said they would investigate the cause of the crash, which was not yet known.

Passenger John Nelson posted a video of the aftermath on Facebook, showing a fire engine spraying water on the plane that was lying belly-up on the snow-covered tarmac.

He later told CNN there was no indication of anything unusual before landing.

"We hit the ground, and we were sideways, and then we were upside down," Nelson told the television network.

"I was able to just unbuckle and sort of fall and push myself to the ground. And then some people were kind of hanging and needed some help being helped down, and others were able to get down on their own," he said.

Source: Reuters

Video: Social Media

18/02/2025

Ministry of Home Affairs clarifies details of Namibia-China visa exemption

Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has emphasised that the mutual visa exemption agreement between Namibia and China applies exclusively to holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.

“This exemption is bilateral, meaning it applies equally to both Namibia and China, and only extends to nationals holding these specific types of passports,” the Ministry’s executive director, Etienne Maritz, said.

He highlighted that Namibia has previously entered into similar visa exemption agreements with several other countries, all of which adhere to the same principles as the Namibia-China agreement. He further pointed out that, like the current arrangement, these agreements apply only to holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.

“The mutual visa exemption agreement between Namibia and China will enter into force 30 days after the parties have notified each other of the completion of all necessary legal requirements to implement the agreement. The public will be notified through the media of the implementation date,” Maritz added.

For additional information or clarification, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Ministry’s Public Relations Officers, Margaret Kalo at 081 951 0064 or Aina Simon at 081 951 0064.