Day: November 30, 2023

Windhoek – The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has reported a total of 357 fatalities due to road accidents from January to November 2023. This number represents a 14.4 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. The statistics were disclosed by NamPol Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, during the inauguration of the Khomas Region’s festive season road safety campaign. The announcement highlighted those injuries also saw a 17.5 per cent reduction. Shikongo’s speech, delivered by Regional Commander of Khomas, Commissioner Willem Steenkamp, included comprehensive accident statistics: 2,553 crashes, 4,508 injuries, and 357 fatalities.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), NamPol has initiated operations at key traffic checkpoints on the B1 and B2 roads to improve road safety during the festive season. Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua, speaking at the event, urged strict law enforcement and responsible behavior from all road users to ensure safety during the festive period.

Katima Mulilo – Three individuals, Nyambe Calvin Matomola, John Mwelwa, and Nziye Lusinyize, have been brought before the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court for alleged possession of controlled wildlife products. The trio was apprehended with a total of 39 elephant tusks, leading to their court appearance on Tuesday. Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, revealed that Matomola, along with seven Zambian nationals, was caught with 24 tusks after smuggling them into Namibia via the Zambezi Region.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), This operation was part of a larger effort to clamp down on a syndicate suspected of trans-national elephant poaching in Botswana, using Namibia as a transit. Muyunda added that Mwelwa and Lusinyize were found with 15 tusks in the Namandumo village, Malengalenga area. While Matomola’s case is postponed to 14 February 2024, and Mwelwa and Lusinyize’s to 13 February 2024, for further investigation, the total tally of confiscated tusks stands at 39, with 13 suspects still at large.

Oshana, Namibia – Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combatting crime to make Oshana a crime-free region. This statement was made during the official launch of the Oshana festive season road safety campaign at Oshiko roadblock in Ongwediva on Thursday.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), there has been a 7 per cent reduction in major crimes, with 5,412 cases reported this financial year compared to 5,795 in 2021/22.

Commissioner Sakaria highlighted the rise in specific crimes such as housebreaking, theft from motor vehicles, assault, and theft under false pretence. He warned against traffic law violations and noted that offenders might face jail time during the festive season. The Commissioner also mentioned that liquor outlets in the region would operate according to their trading licenses, as the Liquor Act does not prevent trading on public holidays unless specified in the license.

At the same event, Oshana Governor, Elia Irimari, advised pedestrians to cross roads at designated areas and keep an eye on oncoming traffic. Irimari also called on farmers to prevent livestock from straying onto roads to avoid accidents. In recognition of exemplary service, Warrant Officer Leonard Shilongo received a token of appreciation.

Divundu, Namibia – Thindhimba, 17, died instantly after being struck by lightning at Kamutjonga village in the Divundu Constituency. The incident occurred on Wednesday while the boys were playing football at a local sports field. Namibian Police Force spokesperson, Inspector Raimbert Muronga, confirmed the tragic event and the identification of the victims.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), In addition to the fatalities, six other 17-year-old boys and a 23-year-old man were also struck by the lightning during the incident. They were rushed to Andara District Hospital and are currently in stable condition. The families of the deceased have been notified, and the bodies were moved to Andara mortuary for autopsies.

Inspector Muronga stated that two inquests have been opened and police investigations are ongoing.