Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
June 2026
Informanté
Alina Garises, TransNamib spokespersonsaidRSR provided specialised and independent oversight into accident factors
Source
“Alina Garises, TransNamib spokesperson, said that as Namibia currently does not have a dedicated Railway Safety Regulator, the RSR provided specialised and independent oversight into the operational, technical, organisational and human factors related to the occurrence.”
TransNamib spokesperson Alina Garisessaysthe company is dealing with challenges affecting freight growth including infrastructure upgrades, rolling stock capacity limitations, and absent regulatory mechanisms
Source
“TransNamib spokesperson Alina Garises says the company is still dealing with challenges that affect the growth of freight on the northern line.”
TransNamib manager Alina Garisessaidindependent evaluation report has been submitted to management and board
Source
“TransNamib manager for corporate communications Alina Garises said the independent evaluation report has already been submitted to management and the board for consideration.”
Alina Garisessaidderailments occur due to vandalism, theft of rail materials, and unforeseen flash floods
Source
“Garises said that it is unfortunate that derailments occur from time to time due to vandalism of railway infrastructure, theft of rail materials, and unforeseen flash floods.”
Alina Garisesstatedthe incident happened on 31 March 2026 at 12:22
Source
“According to Alina Garises, the latest incident happened on 31 March 2026 at 12:22, after the pedestrian reportedly attempted to cross the railway line in a non-residential area.”
TransNamib spokesperson Alina Garisessaid they would issuea statement after executives provide a substantial update
Source
“TransNamib spokesperson, Alina Garises, with regard to further queries on the incident, said that they would issue a statement after executives provide a substantial update on the matter.”
Alina Garisesreported thatTransNamib train 2609 derailed while entering Swakopmund at 28 km/h
Source
“According to Alina Garises, TransNamib's Manager of Corporate Communications, TransNamib train 2609 derailed from the main track while entering Swakopmund, travelling at a speed of 28 km/h on Monday night.”
TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.
TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.
TransNamib's northern railway line, which runs from Tsumeb through Ondangwa to Oshikango and received N$1.17 billion in investment, faces severe infrastructure and capacity challenges including the need for rail upgrades, limited rolling stock capacity, and regulatory gaps. The government is demanding board accountability over frequent derailments on the line.
Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.
A year after cancellation over single-sourcing concerns, TransNamib will restart the process to buy 23 new locomotives for N$1.7 billion following an independent technical evaluation of manufacturers. The procurement will proceed through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia using secured development finance.
The national rail operator TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments, 39 fatalities, and 45 level crossing incidents between 2020 and 2025, with an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 2021/22 to 2024/25. TransNamib attributes incidents to vandalism, theft, and flash floods, and says it uses patrols, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment to reduce them.
A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a TransNamib train near Okahandja on 31 March 2026, the third train incident recorded in March. The train was travelling at 52 km/h within the speed limit when the pedestrian attempted to cross the railway line in a non-residential area.
A TransNamib train accident in the Oshivelo area on 24 March resulted in the amputation of a one-year-old's leg. An LPM parliamentarian attributed the incident to a contractor's failure to clear bushes in the area, prompting questions about compensation avenues for TransNamib-related injuries.
A TransNamib train derailed near Swakopmund on Monday night at 28 km/h, with preliminary indications suggesting possible tampering with rail equipment; no injuries were reported and damage was minimal, with re-railing expected to be completed shortly.
TransNamib is investigating a derailment of a luxury Rovos Rail train about 100km from Keetmanshoop that killed two people. A nine-member panel will conduct a departmental inquiry next week in Keetmanshoop, examining the circumstances of the incident, safety procedures, and potential maintenance lapses.