Independent oversight body that has raised concerns about police holding cell overcrowding and recommended improvements to inmate nutrition standards.
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The Namibian
Office of the Ombudsman discovered overcrowding challenges in police holding cells during inspection of eight regions
“The Office of the Ombudsman discovered these challenges during his visit to eight regions in northern Namibia to inspect the current state of police holding facilities and the detention conditions of trial-awaiting detainees, as well as the care and treatment of individuals with mental illnesses and disabilities in these holding cells.”
Ombudsman calls for solutions to holding cells overcrowdingThe Namibian
Office of the Ombudsman was established to promote good governance and tackle corruption
“Ngurare said institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Office of Prosecutor General, the Office of Auditor-General, the Office of the Ombudsman and others have been established for this purpose.”
Ngurare calls for anti-corruption ‘intelligence sharing'The Namibian
Office of the Ombudsman is a recipient of complaints violations of the right against arbitrary arrest and detention
“Namibians are encouraged not to be afraid and to report all incidents they regard as violations of their right against arbitrary arrest and detention to the Office of The Ombudsman, human rights organisations such as NamRights, or Independent Human Rights Activists and Defenders.”
Namibians’ Fight Against Arbitrary Arrest and DetentionThe Namibian Police is reviewing meal provision to trial-awaiting inmates after a High Court on 23 July ordered three northern police stations to feed accused persons on court days. The police says it is implementing recommendations from the Office of the Ombudsman and working with a state chief dietician to improve inmate nutrition standards.
15 hours ago · The Namibian →
The Namibian Police is reviewing meal provision to trial-awaiting inmates after a High Court on 23 July ordered three northern police stations to feed accused persons on court days. The police says it is implementing recommendations from the Office of the Ombudsman and working with a state chief dietician to improve inmate nutrition standards.
15 hours ago · The Namibian →
Medical doctor Dennis Noa, arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 26-year-old man at a public hospital premises, asked the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court to grant him bail so he can return to his duties. The state opposed bail, citing rape as a serious offence and arguing that release could risk witness interference, further offences, or absconding.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha has raised concerns about severe overcrowding in police holding cells across eight northern regions, with facilities such as Omuthiya and Oshakati police stations holding over 800 inmates each, and Katima Mulilo holding over 280 inmates in cells designed for 80. Dyakugha attributed the overcrowding to prolonged case finalization, lack of bail releases, and lengthy investigations.
23 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
The Anti-Corruption Commission reported that 45% of the 127 cases it handled in the 2024/25 financial year involved abuse of power, with bribery and misuse of public resources among other common issues. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called for robust anti-corruption strategies, adequate funding for key institutions, and better collaboration among stakeholders to combat corruption.
9 March 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare addressed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Steering Committee, emphasizing the government's commitment to fighting corruption and the importance of cooperation among anti-corruption institutions. He noted that the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2021–2025) is ending and an independent evaluation will inform the development of a third strategy for 2026–2030, with consultations planned across all fourteen regions.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on government institutions responsible for tackling corruption to stop working in isolation and instead collaborate through shared intelligence and coordinated action. He emphasized the need for adequate funding of anti-corruption bodies and decentralization of services to the regions.
4 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A detainee at Katutura Police Station was reportedly forced to urinate in public due to lack of toilet facilities, prompting calls for investigation by the Ombudsman and Prosecutor-General into alleged breaches of basic human dignity and safety standards.
26 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Dâure Daman Traditional Authority says ministers lack the authority to remove and degazette traditional chiefs, arguing that removal must be initiated at community level before escalation to ministerial and presidential level as provided in the Traditional Authorities Act 25 of 2000. The authority supports former chief Sagarias Seibeb's court challenge against his removal last November, claiming the government did not follow proper procedure.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →