Koevoet — counterinsurgency unit of the then South West African Police that clashed with PLAN fighters during Namibia's independence struggle.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Koevoet attacked demonstrators with sjamboks, clubs, tear gas and rubber bullets
“At a solidarity rally in Windhoek, police and Koevoet attacked demonstrators with sjamboks, clubs, tear gas and rubber bullets.”
The brave students of 1988: who gets to define a hero?Windhoek Observer
Koevoet was known as the security formation during apartheid
Windhoek Observer
Koevoet fought against PLAN
“The fight between Koevoet and PLAN became the fight between political party colours and tribes.”
White suit, black suit: Colonialism in a chameleon skinWindhoek Observer
Koevoet protected under apartheid capitalist interests for a post-independent Namibia
“On one side, Koevoet under apartheid protected capitalist interests for a post-independent Namibia.”
Boksburg 2026: The return of the blocs and a lesson for Africa and NamibiaInformanté
Koevoet killed nine PLAN combatants on 2 April 1989
“The combatants were killed in a clash with Koevoet, the counterinsurgency unit of the then South West African Police, on 2 April 1989, a day after a ceasefire came into effect as part of Namibia's independence plan.”
Enghandja tombstone honours nine fallen PLAN fightersThe Namibian
A Koevoet base was removed after residents called for the withdrawal of security forces at a community meeting in March 1987
“A Koevoet base that was also situated close to the hospital was removed after residents called for the withdrawal of the security forces at a community meeting in March 1987.”
Okahao: Two clay potsThe Namibian
Koevoet allegedly carried out the Oshikuku Massacre
“The South African authorities immediately blamed Swapo "terrorists" for the attack, but a survivor identified one of the attackers who was said to be a Koevoet member based at Okalongo.”
Oshikuku – hidden gem of the northAn opinion piece questions Namibia's system for defining and honouring national heroes, arguing that while a National Honours Advisory Committee and legal framework exist, the process lacks transparency and is vulnerable to political influence, raising concerns about the credibility of the honours system itself.
27 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An opinion piece questions Namibia's system for defining and honouring national heroes, arguing that while a National Honours Advisory Committee and legal framework exist, the process lacks transparency and is vulnerable to political influence, raising concerns about the credibility of the honours system itself.
27 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's persistent economic and social problems—unresolved land questions, debt, unemployment, and poverty—stem not from democracy itself but from those entrusted to implement it. The author contends that a growing narrative blaming democracy and the Constitution is a misdiagnosis of the deeper structural problem.
27 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibian columnist Lazarus Kwedhi argues that despite political independence in 1990, structural inequalities persist: unemployment exceeds 30 percent overall and 60 percent among youth, while inflation and interest rates squeeze households and many families rely on single grants to support multiple generations.
2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An opinion piece argues that across religion, economics, and politics, Namibians are promised rewards later—heaven after death, development after structural adjustment, prosperity after elections—while gatekeepers remain unchanged. The author contends that the same IMF and World Bank institutions that rebuilt Europe after World War II have trapped Africa in debt and stagnant growth.
24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An analysis of South Africa's "Conference of the Left" in Ekurhuleni argues that the meeting signals a return of competing Cold War-style blocs—communist and capitalist—reshaped around state-led development and anti-imperialism versus inclusive capitalism. The writer warns Namibian and African leaders not to be drawn into antagonism that serves these blocs rather than their own material interests.
18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A tombstone was unveiled in Ohangwena Region to honour nine People's Liberation Army of Namibia combatants killed on 2 April 1989 in a clash with Koevoet, the counterinsurgency unit of the then South West African Police, just a day after a ceasefire had taken effect. Former PLAN fighters, government officials, and relatives attended the ceremony at Enghandja laShikongeni village.
4 April 2026 · Informanté →
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens including academics and community voices are urging the country not to take its hard-won freedom and democratic stability for granted, while highlighting ongoing challenges such as youth unemployment, healthcare gaps, and water scarcity in rural areas that require urgent government attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Ben Zaaruka, a survivor of the February 1988 Barclays Bank bombing in Oshakati that killed 27 people and injured 70, says the attack was an act of revenge by the South African army intended to terrorise Namibians. The perpetrators were never identified or convicted, though former president Hifikepunye Pohamba has characterised the attack as politically motivated.
25 February 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani has suggested the government create an investment fund rather than spending roughly N$2 billion annually from the national budget to pay war veterans, struggle kids, and SWATF members. Venaani also called for intra-national dialogue to resolve pre-independence compensation matters involving various veteran groups who have been seeking government recognition and benefits.
28 January 2026 · New Era →