Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

Lifalaza Simataa

Also known as: Simataa · Eric Simataa · Sinyama Simataa

Society

Grade 10 pupil hospitalized with spinal injury after assault over N$20 debt

The News

A Simataa Secondary School pupil was severely assaulted on 23 March by a Grade 12 pupil and three others over an unpaid N$20 debt, suffering spinal cord injury, breathing difficulties, and vision problems. The accused is out on bail of N$2,000 and returned to school, while the victim remains hospitalized and may repeat his grade.

Why it matters

Grade 10 pupil hospitalized with spinal injury from school assault highlights serious school violence and justice system gaps.

14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. Grade 10 pupil hospitalized with spinal injury after assault over N$20 debt

    A Simataa Secondary School pupil was severely assaulted on 23 March by a Grade 12 pupil and three others over an unpaid N$20 debt, suffering spinal cord injury, breathing difficulties, and vision problems. The accused is out on bail of N$2,000 and returned to school, while the victim remains hospitalized and may repeat his grade.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 April

  1. LPM internal divisions deepen amid leadership and suspension disputes

    The Landless People's Movement faces growing internal tensions, with former councillor Joseph Isaacks accusing leader Bernadus Swartbooi of running the party dictatorially and the party suspending former mayor McDonald Hanse over alleged involvement in forming a new political party. The LPM's spokesperson denies disunity claims and says the party operates within constitutional rules, while Hanse contests his suspension and disputes the allegations against him.

    19 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. LPM boycotts presidential address, citing recycled promises

    The Landless People's Movement boycotted President Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation Address, calling it political theatre that masks poor governance; the presidency responded that dialogue is essential in a democracy and that such absences represent a missed opportunity to raise concerns.

    10 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 9 April

  1. LPM boycotts state of nation address over recycled tactics

    The Landless People's Movement boycotted President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state of the nation address on Wednesday, arguing that the Sona is repetitive, lacks substance, and masks poor government performance. The party criticized the eighth administration for repackaging old promises, failing to provide meaningful solutions, and reducing the platform to "political theatre" that limits debate.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Namibia debates social media ban for children under 15

    Namibian lawmakers and child welfare experts are divided over whether to ban social media for children under 15, with supporters citing mental health and cyberbullying concerns while critics argue for evidence-based regulation rather than an outright ban. Experts also note that enforcement would be technically challenging given the ease of age verification manipulation.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 February

  1. Katima Mulilo police officer released on bail for extortion charges

    Eric Simataa, a 37-year-old police officer, was granted bail of N$3,000 after being arrested on suspicion of extortion and contravening the Anti-Corruption Act. He is alleged to have solicited payments from individuals with pending court cases, promising to withdraw their cases while threatening continued incarceration if they did not comply.

    20 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 February

  1. Katima Mulilo police officer denied bail on extortion charges

    A 37-year-old court orderly at Katima Mulilo Magistrate's Court was denied bail after being arrested for allegedly extorting N$1 000 from an inmate's parent by threatening to keep their son in jail. He faces charges of extortion and corruptly using his office for gratification.

    13 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Slain prosecutor Justine Shiweda dies after brutal attack

    Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda has died in hospital after suffering injuries from a brutal attack on 17 October 2025 in which she was shot and had corrosive substances poured over her body. Her death has prompted calls from government and judicial leaders for urgent action against violent crime and protection for law enforcement officials.

    11 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 3 February

  1. Journalist removed from State House during Cabinet opening

    Journalist Jemima Beukes was escorted out of State House after persistently questioning President Nandi-Ndaitwah about family involvement in the oil industry, despite the President indicating the time was inappropriate and directing her to submit questions through official channels. The Presidency cited security protocols and professional conduct standards, while the Namibia Media Professionals' Union and opposition parties condemned the removal as intimidation and an erosion of press freedom.

    3 February 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 25 January

  1. Minister Sankwasa owes NamWater N$174,000 amid debt criticism

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa owes N$174,000 to NamWater, drawing accusations of hypocrisy after he recently pressured councillors to settle outstanding bills. Sankwasa attributed the debt to an account inherited from his late mother and said he is attending to its settlement, while critics argue he should have led by example.

    25 January 2026 · The Namibian →

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