Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Namibian Defence Force

Also known as: NDF · Namibia Defence Force

Namibian Defence Force — military organization that operates bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi, conducts graduate training, and provides naval enforcement of fishing regulations.

2020-07-242026-06-08

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. April 2026
  2. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force (NDF) suffered financial loss of approximately N$179,508.91 from the corrupt scheme

    Source

    Marina Matundu, ACC spokesperson, explained that the scheme resulted in a financial loss of approximately N$179,508.91 to the NDF.

    ACC announces arrest of NDF member Heita Vilho for alleged corruption
  3. New Era

    Namibian Defence Force is included in Vision April 2026 healthcare initiative

    Source

    This initiative also encompasses senior officials from various government departments and agencies, such as the National Planning Commission, the Electoral Commission of Namibia, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Defence Force.

    Vision April 2026 to revolutionise public healthcare
  4. New Era

    Namibian Defence Force trained 2,419 members in combat and academic skills for digital era operations

    Source

    A total 2 419 Namibian Defence Force (NDF) members were trained in combat and academic skills, providing them with the necessary abilities to operate effectively in the digital era, as per the sixth National Development Plan.

    Over 1 700 constables deployed in 2025
  5. March 2026
  6. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force team played against the Brave Warriors in 2005

    Source

    I was also in the Namibian Defence Force team that played against the Brave Warriors in 2005.

    Artists Must Unite to Ensure Growth – Uno Boy
  7. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force will receive advanced network laboratory with modern IT infrastructure at Osona military base

    Source

    Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has inaugurated an Indian-funded advanced network laboratory at Osona military base to enhance information technology training within the Namibian Defence Force.

    India boosts NDF training with hi-tech IT lab
  8. New Era

    Namibian Defence Force was urged by Mubita to act decisively and strengthen patrols along the border

    Source

    The deputy minister issued a firm call to both the Namibian Police and the Namibian Defence Force to act decisively.

    Mubita calls crackdown on armed rustlers
  9. New Era

    Namibian Defence Force participated in march-past at ceremony

    Source

    The ceremony began with a vibrant march-past by the Namibian Defence Force, symbolising the peace Hambyuka vowed to maintain.

    Hambyuka calls for economic liberation, growth
  10. The Namibian

    NDF says leaked information on proposal could cause confusion among public and aviation industry

    Source

    THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) says leaked information on a proposal to reclassify a military operations area in the Erongo region could cause confusion among the public and in the aviation industry.

    Meeting on leaked Erongo airspace plan set for 25 March
  11. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force recruited 1 500 personnel

    Source

    the Namibian Defence Force recruited 1 500, and the Namibian Correctional Service recruited about 400.

    LPM slams Govt for prioritising security jobs
  12. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force will participate in a parade

    Source

    The governor said the Namibian Defence Force will participate in a parade, and that the activities lined up will include multi-cultural entertainment, choreography and the inclusive participation of pupils from Eluwa Special School.

    Oshana Independence Day celebrations set for Independence Stadium

Thursday 4 June

  1. NYS operates below statutory board member minimum for over year

    The National Youth Service has operated with only four board members for more than a year, below the statutory minimum of seven prescribed by the NYS Act 6 of 2005. A governance expert warned the arrangement creates compliance concerns and heightens governance risks, with sources fearing resolutions passed under the current arrangement could be deemed void.

    4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 2 June

  1. IPC calls for stronger mental health support for soldiers

    Following the deaths of two Namibian Defence Force members at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi, the Independent Patriots for Change have urged the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to strengthen mental health support, housing and welfare programmes for soldiers, citing emotional and psychological challenges soldiers face due to separation from families and financial pressures.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 1 June

  1. Two defence force members die in suspected suicides

    Two members of the Namibian Defence Force were found dead in suspected suicides on Thursday and Friday night at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi in the Otjozondjupa region. Police said no suicide notes were found and investigations continue.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 30 May

  1. NDF confirms deaths of two soldiers in separate incidents

    The Namibian Defence Force confirmed the deaths of two soldiers, Jonas Kambonde (27) and Patrick Kooper (30), in suspected suicides at Otjiwarongo and Otavi military bases on Thursday and Friday. Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu called for members to use available support services when facing personal challenges.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Defence Minister warns 1,703 new NDF recruits on indiscipline

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi told 1,703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse, and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

Tuesday 26 May

  1. NDF 18th Intake graduates at Osona ceremony Thursday

    The Namibian Defence Force will on 21 May 2026 graduate its 18th Intake at Osona Military Base after 12 months of training, with recruits taking the oath of allegiance and being formally commissioned as soldiers. The ceremony will be officiated by the Defence Minister and presided over by the Chief of Defence Force.

    26 May 2026 · Informanté

Friday 22 May

  1. NDF modernising training to include drone warfare systems

    The Ministry of Defence says the Namibian Defence Force is modernising operations to include drone warfare and technology-driven military systems, as militaries worldwide increasingly rely on drones and cyber-based operations. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi said Namibia needs technologically skilled recruits adaptable to intelligence-based warfare, following the graduation of 1,703 recruits at Osona Military Base.

    22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 21 May

  1. Navy intercepts foreign vessel for illegal fishing in Namibian waters

    The Namibian Navy apprehended the foreign vessel Fu Yuan Yu 9878 near the Angolan border for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with the vessel fully loaded with fish and its Automatic Identification System disabled. The 22-member crew, comprising four Chinese and 18 Angolan nationals, was detained, and a Ministry spokesperson stated the government is committed to protecting Namibia's fisheries resources and enforcing its regulations.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 18 May

  1. Ongos draw with Unam, surrender Women's Super League lead

    Hesron Kapanga Women's Super League leaders Ongos FC drew 0-0 with Unam Bokkies on Saturday, relinquishing first place with two matches remaining. The result allowed title rivals Mighty Gunners to move to the top of the table.

    18 May 2026 · New Era

Sunday 17 May

  1. CDF stresses defence diplomacy role in global peace efforts

    Namibian Defence Force Chief Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas told newly accredited Defence Attachés from Zambia, Botswana, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe that collaborative efforts among nations and international organisations are essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict, reaffirming the NDF's commitment to international military cooperation.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté

Friday 15 May

  1. Poaching suspect charged with perjury after recanting torture claim

    A poaching suspect in custody in Omusati Region has been charged with perjury after admitting he lied when alleging he had been tortured by NDF, NamPol, and Environment Ministry officials on 28 April. The charges against the officials are likely to be dropped following the retraction.

    15 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Former workshop owner arrested over N$179,508 NDF repairs scheme

    A former owner of Lifeline Body Workshop and Car Sales has been arrested in connection with an alleged N$179,508 corruption scheme involving repairs for the Namibian Defence Force.

    15 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

Thursday 14 May

  1. Workshop owner arrested for N$179k NDF repair fraud

    Former vehicle workshop owner Tweulongelwa Ndeiluka was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly defrauding the Namibian Defence Force of over N$179 000 through false quotations and unpaid repair work between November 2019 and February 2020. He was granted bail of N$10 000 and has been charged under the Anti-Corruption Act with using office or position for gratification, with fraud as an alternative charge.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Former workshop owner arrested for N$179,508 NDF fraud scheme

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 46-year-old former owner of Lifeline Body Workshop in connection with an alleged scheme between November 2019 and February 2020 in which fraudulent payments totaling approximately N$179,508.91 were made to his company for vehicle repairs never rendered and inflated quotations, allegedly in collusion with NDF members.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Erongo Red plans power outages on 21 May and 1 June

    Erongo Red has announced planned power outages on 21 May (08H30–17H30) and 1 June (08H00–17H00) affecting the Ruby 11kV network in areas including Namwater, the airport, Rooibank, NDF Military Base, Dune 7, and Clean Energy to allow NamPower to conduct infrastructure maintenance.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Agriculture minister questions N$179m border fence quotation

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has questioned a N$179 million quotation from August 26 Construction for a 400-kilometre border fence project along the Namibia-South Africa border aimed at containing foot-and-mouth disease, citing cost concerns and procurement issues.

    6 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Opposition groups criticise political dominance at national commemoration events

    Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 5 May

  1. President removes police inspector general Shikongo

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has removed Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo from his post, with major general Anne-Marie Nainda appointed as acting inspector general for one year. No grounds for the removal were given, though it came four days after a security breach at State House where an intruder reached the president's private floor.

    5 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Former police chief slams security breach at State House

    Former inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga says the failure to detect a man who entered the presidential residence last week exposed weaknesses across the police chain of command. The breach has fuelled speculation about the status of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo and raised questions about the VIP Protection Unit's head Michael Abraham.

    5 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Defence minister denies military takeover of presidential security

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi denied reports that the Namibian Defence Force has assumed responsibility for protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, saying the military could step in only if required. The denial comes after an alleged security breach at State House on Thursday, when an unidentified man allegedly entered the presidential residence and reached the private living area before being apprehended, though details of how he gained access and whether he was arrested remain unclear.

    5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 30 April

  1. Police investigating officers' assault of poaching suspect in Omusati

    The Namibian Police in Omusati are investigating law enforcement officers for allegedly abusing a poaching suspect during questioning following an operation in Etosha National Park. The suspect was reportedly subjected to severe physical abuse by a joint team of NDF, NamPol, and Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism officials, resulting in serious injuries, and was taken to hospital for treatment.

    30 April 2026 · Informanté

  2. Anti-poaching officials accused of torturing suspect in custody

    Members of an anti-poaching unit at Etosha National Park have been accused of assaulting and burning a 35-year-old man during questioning in April following a poaching incident. The officials involved are from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibian Defence Force, and Namibian Police, and investigations are ongoing.

    30 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 26 April

  1. Minister orders inquiry into tribal bias at Roads Authority

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority, finding it employs about 74 people from the Zambezi region compared to more than 300 from northern Namibia. The probe has revived broader allegations of tribalism in hiring practices across Namibian state-owned enterprises and government offices.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 24 April

  1. ACC arrests NDF member for alleged vehicle repair fraud scheme

    The Anti-Corruption Commission announced the arrest of Heita Vilho, a suspended NDF member, for a corruption scheme involving fraudulent payments to a civilian company for vehicle repairs that were never carried out between November 2019 and February 2020, resulting in a financial loss of approximately N$179,508.91 to the NDF. Vilho appeared in court and was granted N$10,000 bail, with his matter remanded to June 2026 for plea.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 22 April

  1. 14 individuals, six entities plead not guilty in Namcor fraud trial

    Fourteen individuals and six corporate entities pleaded not guilty to 75 fraud and corruption charges in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, with allegations including a N$53.2 million filling station transaction and N$331 million in unpaid fuel supplied to three entities. The case was postponed to 28 October pending a prosecutor general decision.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Accused in prosecutor attack claims uncle used him without knowledge

    Petrus Shikwaya, 21, testified at his bail hearing that his uncle, former police officer Abner Mateus, used his bank account and sent money through him without his knowledge, including funds allegedly used to buy acid for the attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda. Shikwaya denied knowing Shiweda or being present during the incident, saying he was in Windhoek at the time.

    21 April 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 17 April

  1. Government launches Vision April 2026 healthcare reform initiative

    Namibia's government has begun phased implementation of Vision April 2026, an initiative to transform public healthcare by improving accessibility, quality and citizen confidence. The programme, which mandates senior government officials to use public facilities starting April 2024, includes infrastructure upgrades, N$239 million in medical equipment procurement and recruitment of 2,307 health workers, with expansion to additional facilities planned for 2027.

    17 April 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Government launches expanded youth skills and funding programmes

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced expanded government programmes to address youth unemployment through training, skills development, and funding. The initiatives include mushroom cultivation and biomass training, the Youth Credit Scheme, and the Youth Development Fund, which has approved 211 projects worth N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs.

    15 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 12 April

  1. Last Namcor fraud accused Austin Elindi granted N$50,000 bail

    Austin Elindi, director of fuel companies alleged to have defrauded the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) of millions of namibian dollars, was granted bail in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court after spending more than eight months in custody. He is the last of 14 accused persons in the case to be released on bail and faces charges including fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to fuel sales and unpaid credits.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian

Namibian Defence Force — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute