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Namibia When a Bail Hearing Turns Into a Test of the Justice SystemStaff Reporter What was expected to be a routine bail...
23/12/2025

Namibia

When a Bail Hearing Turns Into a Test of the Justice System

Staff Reporter

What was expected to be a routine bail hearing in Rehoboth unexpectedly turned into a quiet stress test for Namibia’s justice system.

Behind the drug charges and cash figures, the court was confronted with uncomfortable questions rarely asked aloud: How safe are police holding cells for vulnerable detainees — and how far can the State stretch powerful laws like POCA at the bail stage?

The defence’s warning that a pregnant accused could face serious medical risk in custody shifted the focus from crime control to state responsibility and potential liability, exposing gaps that are often ignored until something goes wrong.

At the same time, the case opened a subtle but significant debate about the growing use of organised-crime legislation in arrests involving relatively modest quantities — a legal strategy that can dramatically raise the stakes long before guilt is proven.

As the State prepares to oppose bail in the name of public interest, the Rehoboth matter has already moved beyond drugs. It now touches on human dignity, legal restraint, and how justice balances power with care — issues that may outlast the case itself.

21/12/2025

Namibia

Fire Leaves Aussenkehr Families Without Identity as Documents Go Up in Flames

By Staff Reporter

Aussenkehr – While Saturday’s fire at Aussenkehr Block Five destroyed 44 houses, a less visible crisis is now unfolding for dozens of families who lost not only their homes, but their legal identity.

According to a Namibian Police crime report, the fire broke out between 13:00 and 14:00, spreading rapidly while most residents were at work. By the time help arrived, important personal documents — including identity papers, birth certificates and other records — had already been reduced to ashes.

For many of the affected residents, the loss of these documents could mean delayed access to social grants, healthcare services, banking, employment opportunities and schooling for their children — challenges that may linger long after the rubble is cleared.

One resident, 36-year-old Salomon Maketa, sustained burns to his feet while attempting to rescue his belongings from the fire. He was treated for minor injuries at a local clinic and later discharged. No fatalities were reported.

As police investigations continue into the cause of the blaze, affected families now face the added burden of rebuilding both their homes and their administrative lives, a process that often requires time, money and travel many cannot easily afford.

Video: NBC

Namibia Namibia Launches Ambitious Energy Compact to Power 200,000 Homes by 2030 – Challenges AheadBys staff reporter Wi...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Namibia Launches Ambitious Energy Compact to Power 200,000 Homes by 2030 – Challenges Ahead

Bys staff reporter

Windhoek – Industries, Mines and Energy Minister, Hon. Modestus Amutse, on Thursday launched the Namibia Energy Compact, joining Mission 300 with the goal of electrifying 200,000 households by 2030. Under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6), Namibia targets 80% electricity self-sufficiency and 70% renewable energy.
Currently, Namibia generates only 40% of its power domestically.

Achieving the targets will require massive investments in solar, wind, and potentially nuclear energy, alongside the rapid expansion of electricity infrastructure and skilled workforce development. Minister Amutse emphasized that the project will need cooperation across utilities, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

However, experts warn that the goals may be overly ambitious. Previous national initiatives, including rural electrification programmes, have struggled to meet timelines due to funding constraints, logistical challenges, and delays in technology deployment.

If the targets are not achieved, millions of Namibians could continue to face limited energy access, high electricity costs, and dependence on expensive imports. The government could also face criticism for unmet promises and slowed economic growth.

Despite the hurdles, successful implementation could transform lives: households would gain reliable electricity, businesses could expand operations, job creation would rise in the renewable energy sector, and Namibia could significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

Comparatively, countries in the region with similar targets, such as Zambia and Kenya, have faced repeated delays in scaling renewable energy access, showing that ambitious plans require realistic timelines and sustained funding.

The Namibia Energy Compact was developed after year-long consultations with stakeholders, including the World Bank and African Development Bank, aiming to balance ambition with practical steps toward energy security.

Namibia Namibia’s Fuel Prices Hold Steady Amid Rising Costs – January 2026 UpdateBy Staff Reporter Windhoek, Namibia – M...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Namibia’s Fuel Prices Hold Steady Amid Rising Costs – January 2026 Update

By Staff Reporter

Windhoek, Namibia – Motorists can breathe a sigh of relief as the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announces that fuel prices will remain unchanged for January 2026, despite rising costs in global markets.

The Ministry revealed over-recoveries of 42.51 cents per litre for petrol, 8.66 cents for 50ppm diesel, and 18.37 cents for 10ppm diesel – figures that could have led to price hikes, but won’t.
In Walvis Bay, petrol will stay at N$20.58 per litre, 50ppm diesel at N$20.13, and 10ppm diesel at N$20.23, ensuring stability for drivers across the country.

The Ministry expressed heartfelt thanks to fuel consumers for their cooperation and reassured the nation of continued affordability and availability of fuel. Minister Hon. Modestus Amutse also wished citizens a safe and joyful festive season, urging motorists to travel with caution and vigilance during this busy period.

Namibia Minister Amutse on Familiarisation Visit to Kavango EastBy Staff Reporter Rundu – Industries, Mines and Energy M...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Minister Amutse on Familiarisation Visit to Kavango East

By Staff Reporter

Rundu – Industries, Mines and Energy Minister, Hon. Modestus Amutse, is on a familiarisation visit to Kavango East (18–21 Dec) to assess electrification projects and industrial development.

He engaged with Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, community leaders, and technical teams to understand progress and challenges on the ground.

Namibia Hardap Regional Council Hands Over Constituency Offices to Local LeadersBy Staff Reporter Hardap – The Hardap Re...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Hardap Regional Council Hands Over Constituency Offices to Local Leaders

By Staff Reporter

Hardap – The Hardap Regional Council has officially handed over constituency offices to newly elected and long-serving leaders across the region, marking the start of their service to local communities.

Hon. Iswarin Rooi assumes office in Mariental Urban, committing to accessible leadership and improved service delivery, while Hon. Andy Visser begins his term in Aranos with a focus on serving the community effectively. In Rehoboth Urban East, long-serving Hon. Edward Wambo starts his fifth term, continuing to provide quality service to residents. Hon. Gustaf Garoeb takes up duties in Rehoboth Rural, and Hon. Simon Kooper begins his term in Mariental Rural, both pledging strong engagement with their communities.

The Council wishes all leaders success as they serve their constituencies with dedication, integrity, and a commitment to the people.

Namibia MTC Objects to Starlink Licence in Namibia, Sparking Debate on Competition and National InterestsBy Staff Report...
21/12/2025

Namibia

MTC Objects to Starlink Licence in Namibia, Sparking Debate on Competition and National Interests

By Staff Reporter

Windhoek, Namibia – MTC Namibia has formally objected to Starlink Internet Services Namibia’s application for a telecommunications service licence and spectrum licences, warning that approval could violate the Communications Act and pose risks to national security and regulatory compliance.

In a letter to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), MTC argued that Starlink’s satellite-based operations are incompatible with Namibia’s legal framework, citing requirements for lawful interception, spectrum monitoring, quality of service, and universal access. The company also criticised CRAN for treating Starlink’s full application as confidential, claiming this undermines transparency and public participation.
However, some analysts and industry observers are questioning MTC’s objectivity, noting its close ties to government structures that could intervene in its favor. Critics argue that MTC’s stance may protect its own market dominance rather than purely serve national interest.

Starlink supporters highlight that the global satellite internet service could inject healthy competition into Namibia’s telecommunications market, potentially lowering prices, improving service quality, and expanding access to remote areas. The company’s operations may also create jobs, stimulate local tech investment, and open up broader economic opportunities in sectors reliant on high-speed internet.

MTC further argued that Starlink’s pricing model is unaffordable for most Namibians and would not advance universal access, while raising concerns over data sovereignty, fair competition, and local investment. It concluded that Starlink fails to meet statutory criteria and called for its application to be refused under Section 39 of the Communications Act.

As CRAN considers the application, the debate raises larger questions about balancing regulatory oversight, national security, and the need for innovation and competition in Namibia’s digital economy.

South Africa Rand Steady as Inflation Data Shows StabilityBy Staff Reporter Johannesburg – The South African rand traded...
21/12/2025

South Africa

Rand Steady as Inflation Data Shows Stability

By Staff Reporter

Johannesburg – The South African rand traded at R16.7675 to the US dollar on Thursday, remaining relatively stable as investors digested November’s producer inflation data.

Producer inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, unchanged from October, while monthly prices were flat. Analysts expect gradual price increases in the coming months, driven largely by food and fuel.

The South African Reserve Bank has cut its main interest rate by 25 basis points and may reduce rates further in 2026. On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top 40 index dipped 0.02%, and oil traded slightly lower at $59.73 per barrel.

Namibia Safety First: President Leads Festive Road Safety CampaignBy Staff Reporter President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Safety First: President Leads Festive Road Safety Campaign

By Staff Reporter

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has issued a festive season safety message, encouraging Namibians to travel responsibly and reduce road accidents.

The MVA Fund has joined the appeal, stressing the importance of vigilance as families take to the roads for the holidays.

South Africa Western Cape Police Destroy 20 050 Litres of Confiscated AlcoholBy Staff Reporter Cape Town – Western Cape ...
21/12/2025

South Africa

Western Cape Police Destroy 20 050 Litres of Confiscated Alcohol

By Staff Reporter

Cape Town – Western Cape police have destroyed 20 050 litres of alcohol seized from illegal taverns and shebeens across the province. Since the launch of the safer festive operation on 13 October 2025, authorities have shut down 1 112 illegal establishments.

The operation aims to curb crime and promote public safety during the festive season. Video footage of the destruction was released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Namibia Namibia Launches Animal Visibility Pilot to Curb Road CollisionsBy Staff Reporter Oshikuku – In a bid to enhance...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Namibia Launches Animal Visibility Pilot to Curb Road Collisions

By Staff Reporter

Oshikuku – In a bid to enhance road safety, Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi officially launched the Animal Visibility Pilot Project at Embumba village this afternoon.

The initiative aims to reduce vehicle-animal collisions, which have exceeded 5,500 incidents between 2020 and 2025. The project will equip free-roaming livestock with reflective ear tags and collars to improve visibility during high-risk periods like dawn and dusk.

Thousands of specialized tags were imported from China and India at a total cost of N$4.6 million. Over 10,000 units will be distributed across Omusati, Oshana, and Khomas, targeting areas with the highest collision rates.

Minister Nekundi stressed that these visibility measures offer a low-cost, effective alternative to expensive infrastructure, urging all stakeholders to prioritize road safety during the festive season.

Namibia Truck Loses Part of Beer Consignment Near RamatexBy Staff Reporter Windhoek – A 34-tonne truck transporting Wind...
21/12/2025

Namibia

Truck Loses Part of Beer Consignment Near Ramatex

By Staff Reporter

Windhoek – A 34-tonne truck transporting Windhoek Draught beer lost part of its load after failing to negotiate a turn into Ramatex. The driver suspects the rear pallets were not properly secured, causing the spill.

Police have been notified and are investigating the incident. No injuries have been reported, but motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area while the cleanup is underway.

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