Category: General

In Khorixas, Kunene Region, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 30-year-old man on Friday. The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) reported that the incident occurred around 21:40 after the girl had gone to fetch a key from her grandmother. The suspect reportedly followed her, forcibly entered a house with her, assaulted her, and then sexually assaulted her. He has been arrested and was scheduled for a court appearance on Monday. In a related incident in Mariental, an 18-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 44-year-old man on Friday evening. The assault occurred in a house in the Ombili residential area, where the victim was with her cousin and others. After the group dispersed, the suspect is said to have forced the girl into a room and sexually assaulted her. The girl’s sister intervened, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Additionally, a 34-year-old man was arrested on Friday in Opuwo for attempting to certify a forged Grade 12 certificate at the local police station. The certificate had been altered with the suspect’s name and birth date. He was expected to appear before the Opuwo Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Police investigations in all cases are ongoing.

Noordoewer – The EHW Baard Primary School in Noordoewer recently received computer equipment worth over N.dollars 300,000, enabling the setup of a new computer lab.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Kharas Region Acting Director of Education, Arts and Culture, this development is a step towards embracing the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution. Magerman highlighted the importance of digital education and noted the current gap in technology access, especially in primary schools in the region. The donation, contributed by Escalate Investment and the Road Fund Administration, is seen as a critical move to equip learners with digital skills and access to global knowledge. Magerman urged the students to utilize the new computer lab to its full potential, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy in the modern world.

Windhoek – Namibia’s Ministry of Justice, led by Minister Yvonne Dausab, continues to advance legislative reforms, focusing on combatting money laundering and terrorist financing.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), the ministry has successfully passed 12 bills through Parliament this year. These reforms aim to make the legal system more accessible and protect primary homeowners from repossession. Additionally, the ministry has played a key role in passing the Combatting of Domestic Violence and Combatting of Rape Bills. Minister Dausab also highlighted upcoming legislation, including the Ombudsman Bill and the Divorce Bill, slated for discussion in the National Assembly next year. In response to President Hage Geingob’s call for improved legal service accessibility for persons with disabilities, the ministry has launched customer service charters in seven local languages and braille.

Windhoek – The Brazilian government has contributed an additional US.dollars 120,000 (approximately N.dollars 2,233,200) to Namibia’s food security project, in cooperation with the World Food Programme. This donation follows a previous contribution of N.dollars 2.28 million made in August.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, the support is part of Brazil’s ongoing efforts to enhance food and nutrition security in Namibia. The collaboration extends to improving school feeding programs and other developmental areas. Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, expressed Namibia’s intent to diversify cooperation with Brazil, highlighting the upcoming 30th anniversary of the naval agreement between the two countries.

In Windhoek, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has recently promoted 4,682 officers, marking a significant step in their ranks. The promotion, effective from 1st December 2023, was announced by NamPol Inspector-General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), this move reflects the officers’ unwavering commitment and dedication to their national duties. He emphasized that a promotion is not merely a decorative achievement but carries substantial responsibilities including accountability, commitment, and honesty in upholding the law. The Inspector-General called upon the newly promoted officers to continue their diligent work, maintain discipline, and enhance service delivery. He detailed the promotions, including 1,930 officers rising from constable to sergeant two, 1,445 from sergeant two to sergeant one, 600 advancing from sergeant one to warrant officer two, and 707 moving from warrant officer two to warrant officer one. Additionally, 50 officers from various directorates and first divisions received new ranks, while the remaining promotions will be executed by their respective regional commanders. Shikongo underlined the importance of police officers as unifiers, embodying fairness and impartiality, and urged the lea
ders within NamPol to foster an environment where professionalism, integrity, and accountability are paramount.

Windhoek – Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab disclosed that in 2023, over 10,000 applications for legal aid were received by her ministry. During a Cabinet committee briefing, she stated that of these applications, approximately 7,500 were granted, with N.dollars 35 million allocated to support indigent litigants. The Ministry of Justice has also established a partnership with the Law Society of Namibia, focusing on enhancing access to justice and service delivery.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), This collaboration, part of a five-year agreement, will facilitate information exchange and share expertise in legal matters. Minister Dausab highlighted the ministry’s efforts in innovating court services, including the establishment of Victim Friendly Court Facilities and the construction of a new court in Keetmanshoop. The ministry’s internship program has also been successful in providing employment opportunities, involving over 200 interns, including international participants from Canada and the United States.