Namibian police in Omusati Region arrested a 59-year-old male suspect on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Angolan girl three weeks prior. According to police, the suspect entered the victim's bedroom in Okapuku village, threatened her with a knife, and raped her; the suspect is the victim's neighbour.
Why it matters
Justice update: Police arrest 59-year-old in Omusati rape case involving 20-year-old Angolan victim assaulted three weeks earlier by neighbour with knife.
Namibian police in Omusati Region arrested a 59-year-old male suspect on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Angolan girl three weeks prior. According to police, the suspect entered the victim's bedroom in Okapuku village, threatened her with a knife, and raped her; the suspect is the victim's neighbour.
A five-day power outage in Otjinene disrupted healthcare, water, education, and telecoms; electricity was restored Wednesday but remains unstable. The councillor called for coordinated action by Cenored, NamPower, and NamWater on infrastructure and contingency planning, citing significant economic losses and public safety threats.
The state alleges that 21-year-old murder and fraud accused Petrus Shikwaya owns five properties across northern Namibia, claiming his uncle Abner Mateus financed their acquisition; Shikwaya has denied knowledge of most properties but confirmed ownership of a farming unit near Windhoek that he says he bought for N$11,000.
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.
An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped on Tuesday afternoon in Olwani village, Elim Constituency, Omusati Region, by a 51-year-old male neighbour. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday.
Petrus Shikwaya, 21, one of six accused in the murder of Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda, claims he was in Windhoek on the date of the attack in October 2025 and had no knowledge of any plan to kill her. Shikwaya admitted sending N$1,200 from his account but said it was on his uncle's instruction and he did not know it would be used for the corrosive acid used in the attack; the state opposes bail, citing a strong prima facie case and concerns about witness interference.
A woman was killed by an elephant in Kavango East on 28 March; the elephant was later shot and found dead but decomposed before the family could access its meat. The family is now requesting the Environment Ministry provide them meat from another elephant, as the killed elephant's carcass could not be recovered in time for the funeral.
The state alleges that murder accused Petrus Shikwaya fraudulently took possession of his uncle's Suzuki vehicle and gave it to co-accused Petrus Uusiku as a reward for buying acid used to attack Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda on 17 October 2025. Shikwaya denies the allegations, claiming the vehicle was purchased for his uncle at the decision of his uncles.
A baby was found safe after being taken on 21 April near Okahao District Hospital; a suspect has been arrested. The mother, an Angolan national, had asked the suspect (also Angolan) to hold the child while she searched for a missing shoe, after which both disappeared until police traced them.
The government spends about N$867 million a year feeding more than 75,000 learners in State-run hostels. At Bunya Combined School in Kavango East, learners depend on soft porridge as their only reliable meal of the day, which teachers say directly impacts concentration and performance, though the school lacks proper dining infrastructure.
Namibian Police in Omusati arrested a 26-year-old Angolan woman for allegedly kidnapping a 16-month-old boy on Tuesday at Okahao. The child was found and the suspect arrested on Wednesday following an intensive search; the child's mother had asked the suspect to hold the infant while retrieving a missing shoe, but the suspect and child were gone upon her return.
The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has built more than 530 houses valued at over N$23 million over the past decade through partnerships with FNB Namibia, the Pupkewitz Foundation and Ohorongo Cement, with a further 60 homes planned for the coming year in selected urban centres.
Stagnant water and low indoor residual spraying coverage, driven by community resistance to malaria spraying, have been identified as main factors behind high malaria cases in Omusati Region. From January to 12 April, 7,510 cases were recorded in the region, including 586 hospital admissions and 12 deaths.
A 33-year-old man died when struck by a tipper truck on the Oshakati–Ongwediva main road on Monday afternoon. The truck driver, aged 30, holds a valid licence and tested negative for alcohol; the pedestrian reportedly ran into the road.
City of Windhoek councillors conducted a site visit to the capital's water reclamation facilities on Monday, where officials highlighted the city's globally recognised infrastructure.
A 54-year-old Angolan national employed as a cattle herder in Otamanzi, Omusati Region, died by suicide after hanging himself from a tree on Monday. Fellow herders found his body after he failed to return to the camp.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested cancellation of a N$194-million tender to build new central medical stores in Windhoek, citing that the expected outcome did not justify costs. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference and concerns raised by the Global Fund over the redirection of its N$194-million donation originally earmarked for the project.
Heavy rainfall in the north-eastern town of Rundu has severely flooded several houses in Rainbow Village, Kehemu, and the Safari residential area, and left multiple roads flooded and impassable. The public is advised to exercise caution and avoid travelling through flooded areas as rainfall continues in the region.
Minister of health Esperance Luvindao told the National Assembly that Namibia needs N$17 billion to N$18 billion over five years to effectively run and upgrade public healthcare. The current annual health budget stands at approximately N$13.1 billion, but the minister said the increased funding would support upgrading existing facilities and building new intermediate and district hospitals.
SanlamAllianz handed over 3,900 protective, waterproof sun hats to the Namibia Albino Association to reduce skin cancer risk and address critical sun-protection needs for people with albinism. The hats will be distributed nationwide during International Albinism Awareness Day events in June.
Kristine Siseho, a nurse at the Namibia University of Science and Technology campus clinic for over 10 years, is graduating with a PhD in health sciences. Her research developed an early detection model for anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation to help identify students in need of support.
The Rössing Foundation invested over N$14.7 million in 2025 on education and community projects, including scholarships, school support, solar-powered water systems, and assistive technologies. The funding targets learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and remote communities in Kunene, Omusati and Kavango West regions.
Japan, the UN, and global partners have launched major investments to strengthen Namibia's health system, including three key projects focused on emergency preparedness, disease prevention, and diagnostic capacity. The initiatives, valued at approximately N$18.4 million, will benefit more than 118,000 people across eight hospitals and vulnerable regions including Kunene, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa.
Police arrested an Outjo resident after discovering mandrax and cannabis valued at N$259,100 inside a delivery truck on the Otjiwarongo-Outjo road. The 35-year-old suspect faces charges of possession and dealing in both substances and is expected to appear in Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court this week.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services held a strategic meeting with over 50 clinical specialists from Windhoek's main public hospitals, led by Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, to discuss service delivery improvements and patient care. The engagement focused on preparations for the upcoming financial year and provided a platform for healthcare professionals to share challenges and propose solutions, with a follow-up meeting planned for June 2026.
Omusati Regional Governor Immanuel Shikongo praised Kuzam Investment CC for donating school uniforms worth N$40,000 and tinned fish worth N$10,000 to IK Tjimuhiva Combined School at Omakange, describing it as an investment rather than charity and calling for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in education.
Namibia's eight state-run shelters for gender-based violence survivors operate with a N$1 million annual budget covering only food and basics, accommodating only 80 GBV clients at any time despite thousands of reported cases. Staffing shortages, no national system to track turned-away victims, and restricted access policies compound the pressure, with the ministry acknowledging the sheltering system is "not yet fully adequate to meet all demand across the country."
A 37-year-old man died this week after collapsing in custody at Rundu Police Station and was rushed unconscious to Rundu State Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. He had been detained on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm under the Domestic Violence Act and was scheduled for a mental health check-up.
The Namibian Police destroyed 360 firearms and 80 rounds of ammunition this week, from a collection that began in September 2024. The weapons, largely voluntarily surrendered during amnesty periods and undocumented, included rifles and pistols, as part of efforts to remove illegal firearms from circulation and promote public safety.
The Namibia Water Corporation has postponed a planned water supply interruption for Opuwo and surrounding areas, initially scheduled for 23 April 2026, to avoid disrupting the Opuwo Town Council's Annual Trade Fair (20 April–02 May 2026). The upgrade works will now take place in May 2026, with new dates to be announced later.
The Namibia Training Authority CEO urges employers to submit Employer Training Grant applications by midnight on 5 May, noting that more than N$306 million is available for the 2025/26 financial year for businesses that invested in employee training between 1 April 2025 and 31 March. The grant reimburses up to 50% of VET levy contributions for qualifying training, covering accredited programmes and in-house interventions.
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.
The government has cancelled a restricted bidding process for school hostel food procurement and extended costly interim emergency contracts for six months to avoid disruptions while a new tender is finalised. The extension follows legal procedures linked to the procurement process, though stakeholders raise concerns about transparency and the impact on vulnerable hostel pupils.
The Anti-corruption Commission is investigating multiple cases of theft and fraud within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which also launched its own internal investigation after discovering alleged stock manipulation and diversion of pharmaceutical supplies within the Central Medical Stores. The ministry has reassigned implicated staff members pending investigation outcomes.
Mecthilde Karomo was found guilty on two murder charges and arson after setting fire to her boyfriend's house in Windhoek on 26 December 2022, killing Leonard Haupindi and Annastasia Matende. The judge found that Karomo, triggered by jealousy over Haupindi's new girlfriend, foresaw the possibility of death when she set the fire knowing they were inside or likely to be inside.
NamPower has apologised to Otjinene residents for a two-day power cut and says it is deploying additional staff to restore electricity to the affected area.
Members of the public report condoms are out of stock at public hospitals and clinics across Namibia, raising concerns about potential increases in HIV infections, STDs, and teenage pregnancies. The health ministry acknowledged the shortage's importance but stated that HIV prevention relies on multiple interventions beyond condoms, and reassured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise supply chains.
Lucia Petrus, a wheelchair-bound resident of Oshandi-1 village in Ohangwena, received a newly built one-bedroom house through the Government's Cash for Work Programme after her home was destroyed by a storm three years ago. The disability-friendly house was constructed by nine youth from the village and completed within two months.
Two suspects aged 35 and 46 were arrested near Tsumeb after police found illegally hunted game meat and unlawfully transported firewood in their vehicle. The confiscated items included warthog meat, four guinea fowl, and firewood valued at N$12,846.00.
Namibia has vaccinated over 124,000 dogs in 2025 and more than 157,000 in 2024, achieving approximately 61% coverage nationally, according to the Chief Veterinary Officer. While the country has not yet reached its 70% vaccination target, national rabies positivity rates have dropped below 10%, with awareness campaigns reaching about 82% of schools in the Northern Communal Areas.
NamPost clerks handling social grant disbursements claim inconsistent remuneration ranging from N$4,000 to N$7,000 monthly, unclear employment terms, long hours including weekends, and high-risk conditions with little oversight. NamPost's acting CEO says employees were engaged on 4 February and disputes disclosure of confidential employment matters, but affirms commitment to good labour relations.
Germany has funded the "Speak Up" project addressing gender-based violence in Hardap, Erongo and Omusati regions with 84,432.35 euros (N$1.59 million). The project, running from April to December 2026, will use music, dance, play, and intergenerational dialogues to promote positive masculinity and mental health awareness, particularly among young people.
Jaco Kennedy, a 39-year-old former lawyer and magistrate held at Windkoek Correctional Facility since 2016 on rape, kidnapping, and attempted murder charges, has published a book titled 'Jailed Thoughts' while awaiting trial. Kennedy says the book explores the effects of imprisonment on those incarcerated and their families, and was written as a productive use of his limited free time rather than a public relations exercise.
The Namibia Institute for Public Administration and Management (Nipam) trained fourteen participants from the National Heritage Council in a five-day cleaning and housekeeping course this week at a cost of N$4,500 per trainee in Windhoek and N$5,400 outside Windhoek, aiming to address gaps in professional cleaning standards and hygiene practices. The course, open to government employees and the public, is offered throughout the year and provides hands-on training in real-life cleaning scenarios across offices and accommodation facilities on campus.
High Court Judge Claudia Claasen has found Mecthilde Karomo (33) guilty on two counts of murder with direct intent for killing her late boyfriend Leonard Haupindi (36) and his new lover Annastasia Matende (31) by setting the shack in which they were sleeping on fire on 26 December 2022 in Okahandja Park. Karomo was also found guilty on a charge of arson.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed allegations that it plans to recruit 39 truck drivers from Zimbabwe as "entirely false, unfounded, and without any official basis," stating it has no intention to recruit foreign nationals for such positions. The Executive Director warned the public against spreading unverified information and reiterated that Namibian citizens receive priority for employment under the Immigration Control Act.
Police are seeking information on an unknown suspect who allegedly stabbed a 26-year-old in the neck at DRC location in Swakopmund on Friday at 21h00; no arrests have been made and the motive is unknown.
B360 Namibia, a non-profit incorporated in February, operates a five-day Career Starter Week programme to prepare unemployed young people for the workplace through mock interviews, feedback on applications, and professional coaching. The organisation plans to expand its workshops beyond Windhoek to rural regions including Ongwediva, Oshakati, Katima Mulilo, coastal and southern areas.
Police are investigating six housebreaking cases recorded across Namibia over the weekend, with stolen items valued at approximately N$218 000 across incidents in Windhoek, Khomasdal, Outapi, Outjo, and Katima Mulilo. No arrests have been made in most cases, and few items have been recovered, prompting police to urge homeowners to increase vigilance and security measures.
Nine police officers allegedly assaulted 31 boys from Karundu Secondary School in Otjiwarongo on 16 February while searching for a missing cellphone. Three boys were seriously injured, including one with a fractured skull; the case has been sent to the prosecutor general's office to determine whether charges should be filed.
The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.
Police recorded multiple housebreaking incidents across Windhoek, Katutura, Outjo, Katima Mulilo and Outapi over the weekend, resulting in significant financial losses with no arrests made so far. Police urged residents and business owners to secure their properties and remain vigilant.
Maria Kambinda, 77, has lived undocumented in Kavango West since 1997, leaving her four children and 16 grandchildren unable to access employment, further education, or social services. The Ministry of Home Affairs is developing legislation to address statelessness, but until those laws are enacted, the family survives on seasonal labour while awaiting resolution.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has welcomed a N$18.4 million support package from Japan aimed at strengthening health systems, improving diagnostic capacity, and enhancing public health emergency preparedness. The assistance includes medical equipment for cancer diagnosis and outbreak response, and is expected to benefit over 118,000 people across eight hospitals while improving water, sanitation, and hygiene access for more than 14,000 people.
Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo says 53,000 young Namibians applied for 2,000 police posts, illustrating limited job opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to crime, violence and drug abuse. Shikongo warned that early criminal records can permanently damage employment prospects and called for coordinated government, community and family support to address root causes of youth vulnerability.
Maria Hengari, a former Namibia University of Science and Technology employee, has been charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly receiving more than N$2.6 million in student payments between 2021 and 2024 without remitting the funds to the university, and clearing students' debts on the system. She has been remanded in custody pending further investigations.
The Roads Authority reported a break-in at its Windhoek head office over the weekend, with seven laptops stolen from the procurement section on the fourth floor. The thieves allegedly entered via balcony rails and also attempted to break into offices on the fifth floor; a theft case has been reported and investigations are ongoing.
The Labour Court has struck from the roll an application by 53 former employees of Best Cheer Investments Namibia to review an unfair dismissal ruling, after finding they failed to serve the application within the required 30-day time period. Although the workers filed the application on time, they only served it on the relevant parties in April 2024, exceeding the deadline set by the Labour Act and court rules.
The Police Women Network in Oshana Region marked its 16th year as the Namibian Police Force continues efforts to promote gender equality and women's advancement in its ranks. Oshana has 625 female police officers and now includes two female deputy commissioners in strategic roles, alongside numerous female chief inspectors and station commanders.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is rolling out Round 3 of a polio vaccination campaign from 27 to 30 April, targeting all children aged 10 years and below, following detection of poliovirus type 2 in environmental samples in Rundu, Windhoek, and Gobabis. Although no active cases have been reported, health authorities emphasise vaccination is safe and essential to prevent potential outbreaks.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Kaisosi Combined School in Kavango East and pledged government support to address water shortages, lack of teaching resources, and challenges affecting over 300 orphans and pupils without identification documents.
The Namibia Power Corporation has urged residents in low-lying areas along the Kunene River to evacuate immediately as rising water levels threaten severe flooding downstream of Ruacana. The utility announced it will open a second floodgate at Ruacana Power Station, expected to increase river flow to over 1 800 cubic metres per second, and instructed residents to move livestock and equipment to higher ground and avoid riverbanks.
Student unions have called on the government to establish an equitable funding model after the suspension of funding to the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) amid allegations of misuse and favouritism. While some unions welcome the halt to Nanso's exclusive funding, they oppose complete removal of financial support to student bodies and instead urge the Ministry of Education to distribute budgets fairly among all three student organisations in Namibia.
Six months after Keetmanshoop resident Juanita Karolus was found murdered in Windhoek, police have made no arrest despite ongoing investigations. Activists and the family are calling for improved police capacity and investigation to address mounting cold cases.
National Council deputy chairperson Emma Muteka has called for a shift in refugee support from temporary relief toward long-term pathways for education, skills development, and economic participation. Speaking during a health committee visit to a refugee camp in Istanbul, she emphasized measuring success by transformation rather than survival and called for stronger collaboration between governments and international partners to unlock refugee potential.
Namibia Water Corporation will suspend water supply in Opuwo from 08h00 to 18h00 next Thursday to upgrade booster pumps, install pipelines, and carry out chlorination work on the reservoir system. Residents have been advised to store sufficient water for the duration of the shutdown.
Officials assessed flood damage in Otjimuhaka village along the Kunene River after residents received early warning and evacuated to higher ground. About 20 households were affected, with crops destroyed, though no lives were lost and the health ministry provided aid including mosquito nets and water purification tablets.