Digital Newspaper (2025)

21/07/2025

Namibia

JUST IN: Desiree Davids Passes Away Years After Being Cleared in Land Allegations

TSUMEB – Desiree Davids, a former City of Windhoek councillor whose political career was derailed by land acquisition allegations, has died in Tsumeb, where she had been living in recent months.

Davids served just seven months as a councillor under the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) before being suspended amid accusations that she misused her position to obtain land in Windhoek. She later resigned from the party.

Although the allegations drew public attention and controversy, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) eventually cleared her of any misconduct. Despite the official clearance, Davids chose to step away from politics and lived a low-profile life until her death.

Her story remains a reminder of how allegations—proven or not—can change the course of public service careers.

21/07/2025

Namibia

Marilize du Plessis Appointed to Lead High-Profile Fishrot Trial

WINDHOEK – In a major development in the ongoing State v. Gustavo & 27 Others corruption trial, the Office of the Judiciary has confirmed that Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis will take over as the new presiding judge from 1 August 2025.

The appointment follows the departure of Justice Moses Chinhengo, who stepped down from the case due to personal reasons, as announced by Judge-President Petrus T. Damaseb.

Du Plessis brings with her nearly a decade of judicial experience, having served as a Regional Court Magistrate since 2016. She was also among the candidates interviewed earlier this year for permanent judicial appointments to the High Court. Her selection to oversee one of Namibia’s most high-profile and complex criminal trials signals a strong vote of confidence in her legal expertise and courtroom leadership.

The Fishrot trial, as it is widely known, involves multiple high-ranking officials and businesspeople accused of corruption, money laundering, and racketeering linked to the country’s lucrative fishing industry. The case has drawn national and international attention, and continuity in judicial oversight is seen as critical to its integrity and progress.

The Judicial Service Commission has expressed its full support for Du Plessis as she prepares to take on the high-stakes assignment.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment, with the trial set to resume shortly after the judicial recess.

21/07/2025

Namibia

ACCUSER SHOULD BE IN JAIL, SAYS FORMER MINISTER MAC HENGARI

WINDHOEK – Former minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Mac Hengari, has told the court that the woman who accused him of r**e should be the one behind bars, not his co-accused.

Testifying during the high-profile trial, Hengari alleged that the accuser violated a no-contact order by reaching out to him the day before his arrest. “I never called the victim during all this time,” Hengari said under oath. “If there is someone who is guilty of incitement, it is the victim.”

Hengari further defended his co-accused, who was arrested upon arrival in Namibia from Germany, where he had reportedly travelled from to attend a scheduled legal meeting. According to Hengari, his co-accused was not involved in any wrongdoing and had no contact with the complainant.

The former minister’s remarks have sparked renewed debate around the handling of no-contact violations and the legal obligations of accusers in ongoing criminal matters.

The case continues.

20/07/2025

Namibia

Teen Girl Shot by Father in Family Tragedy Survives, Both Parents Dead

Windhoek, Namibia – 20 July 2025

An 18-year-old girl is recovering in hospital after her father shot her during a deadly incident at their home in Greenwell Matongo early Saturday morning. Both her parents died in what police believe was a murder-suicide.

The shooting happened around 01:30 at a house on Ermina Street. The teenager was in her bedroom with her six-year-old brother when she heard their mother calling for help. When she went to check, she saw her father holding a gun and pushing her aside as he argued with her mother. A struggle followed, and soon after, a gunshot went off.

The teenager, who had moved into the kitchen, was hit in the right thigh by a bullet. She managed to crawl back to her room and call for help. While doing so, she heard two more gunshots.

When she returned to check, her mother was found bleeding on the floor of the sitting room, and her father was lying on the bed with the gun next to him.

Paramedics declared both parents dead at around 02:36. They were identified as Elizabeth Nepando Hambelela Alweendo (43) and Alweendo David (53).

The daughter is being treated at Katutura State Hospital and is in serious but stable condition. Her younger brother was not physically harmed.

Police say they are still investigating the cause of the incident.

20/07/2025

Namibia

Massive Price-Fixing Scandal Rocks Namibia’s Pharmacy Sector — Over 200 Pharmacies Under Investigation

Windhoek, Namibia – 20 July 2025

A nationwide pharmaceutical scandal has erupted as the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) reveals that more than 200 pharmacies are facing legal action for allegedly conspiring to fix the prices of essential medicines — a serious violation of Namibia’s competition laws.

In what could be one of the largest anti-competitive cases in the country’s history, the NaCC said it has uncovered compelling preliminary evidence pointing to widespread collusion among pharmacies that should be competing in the open market.

The alleged price-fixing scheme is believed to have impacted the cost of a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, potentially inflating prices and limiting access for thousands of Namibians — particularly in poorer and rural communities.

Though the names of the implicated pharmacies have not yet been made public, the NaCC indicated that legal proceedings may soon be initiated, which could result in hefty fines, criminal charges, and the possible revocation of licenses for those found guilty.

20/07/2025

Namibia

Jonas Mbambo Appointed as New Presidential Spokesperson

Windhoek, Namibia – 20 July 2025

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed veteran media professional Jonas Mbambo as the new Press Secretary and Spokesperson to the Presidency. His appointment is set to take effect on 1 August 2025.

Mbambo brings a wealth of experience in broadcast journalism and a solid academic background, having earned a law degree from the People’s Friendship University of Russia in Moscow. Known for his deep understanding of Namibia’s political landscape and strong analytical abilities, Mbambo is expected to play a key role in shaping and communicating the Presidency’s message.

The Presidency acknowledged the contribution of outgoing spokesperson Dr. Alfredo Hengari, who has served with distinction over the past several years. His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance communication from the highest office and foster public trust through consistent media engagement.

Mbambo’s appointment marks a new chapter in the administration’s communications approach, with expectations high for continued professionalism and clarity in presidential messaging.

19/07/2025

Namibia

Mupiri Wins SWAPO Candidacy in Mashare Constituency

KAVANGO EAST – Rudolph Shaya Mupiri has won the SWAPO district election in Mashare Constituency, defeating incumbent councillor Phillipus Mavara. Mupiri secured 74 votes, followed by Loise Gorosas with 44, Mavara with 21, and Rosa Mbangu with 9.

He will now represent SWAPO in the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority Elections set for 26 November 2025.

In Ndiyona Constituency, Laurentius Mukoya retained his position, beating Bernardino Mbumbo by 43 votes to 21.

19/07/2025

Zimbabwe

Bulawayo Couple Caught with Co***ne and Premium Cannabis

BULAWAYO – A couple in Bulawayo has been arrested following a police raid that uncovered sachets of co***ne and a substantial amount of high-grade cannabis.

The operation, part of an ongoing crackdown on drug-related crimes, led to the seizure of the illicit substances from the couple’s residence. Police have confirmed that further investigations are underway, and the suspects will appear in court soon.

19/07/2025

Namibia

"She Broke Me": Husband Struggles with Trauma After Wife's Boiling Oil Attack

WINDHOEK | Local News

Jacob Katanga (48) is not only nursing severe burn wounds—he’s also grappling with the emotional scars left by a brutal betrayal. After more than 20 years of marriage, the woman he once called his partner allegedly poured boiling cooking oil over him while he slept.

The attack landed him in hospital, fighting for his life. But for Katanga, the physical pain is only part of the suffering.

“She didn’t just burn my body—she broke me,” he reportedly said to close friends. The emotional shock and sense of betrayal have left him deeply traumatised, struggling to understand how a marriage built over decades could end in such violence.

Katanga remains in recovery, both medically and mentally, as authorities continue their investigation. The community has been left reeling, with many expressing disbelief over the incident that has shattered a man’s life and trust.

19/07/2025

Namibia

OSHAKATI | NamWater News

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Hon. Inge I. Zaamwani, led a delegation on a guided tour of the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant following the official groundbreaking ceremony for its expansion.

Joined by NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia, regional governors, and invited guests, the minister inspected the plant’s current infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for its upgrade.

The visit emphasized the critical role of the expansion in meeting rising water demand, ensuring a sustainable supply, and improving service delivery across northern Namibia.

The project is part of government’s broader commitment to enhance water security and support long-term development in the region.

19/07/2025

Namibia

Willemse Linked to N$960K Payout in Namcor Corruption Scandal

The state has revealed that a payment of N$960,000 into the personal account of former Namcor supply and logistics manager Cornelius Willemse is believed to have been a bribe connected to Namcor’s N$53 million acquisition of nine service stations.

This allegation surfaced during the cross-examination in the bail hearing of businessman Peter Elindi at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Elindi is among the accused in the high-profile N$480 million Namcor corruption case, dubbed “Fuelgate.”

Prosecutors argue that the payment was made in exchange for Willemse's signature authorising the deal, raising serious concerns about irregularities in Namcor’s procurement processes.

The bail hearing continues as the case unfolds.

19/07/2025

Zambia

Chinese Couple Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Drug Trafficking in Lusaka

LUSAKA — A Chinese couple caused a scene outside the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court yesterday after being sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for trafficking in he**in and methamphetamine.

Chenjian Chen, 36, from Lusaka’s Lilayi area, was visibly distraught and wept as she resisted being loaded into a prison vehicle following the sentencing. Speaking in English, she expressed confusion over her imprisonment and pleaded to be allowed to go home. Two female officers eventually managed to place her in the vehicle, where she continued crying.

Her husband, 31-year-old Kexia Zheng, was sentenced alongside her. The couple had earlier pleaded guilty to trafficking and consuming small quantities of he**in (0.96 grams) and methamphetamine (1.49 grams), admitting that the drugs were for personal use.

Neither defendant was represented by a lawyer. During the hearing, Kexia Zheng asked for leniency, describing himself as a father, a first-time offender unfamiliar with Zambian drug laws. Chenjian Chen also apologized and vowed to quit drugs, emphasizing the impact her imprisonment would have on their four children.

Acting Chief Resident Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya took their pleas into account and noted the couple had not wasted the court’s time. Chen was sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment, while Zheng received the same term with hard labour. The sentences will run concurrently from the date of arrest, and both have the right to appeal.

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