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Friday, 23 October 2026
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Friday, 23 October 2026
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Society

Education, health, crime, social issues.

Society

IPC MP demands answers on unsolved 2022 pensioner murder case

The News

IPC member of parliament Lucia Mbuti has submitted questions to the home affairs minister seeking clarity on the investigation into the December 2022 rape and murder of 80-year-old Elina Samuel in Oshikoto Region, which remains unsolved nearly four years later. Mbuti has asked about forensic resources deployed, the status of DNA analysis, and alleged poor communication between police and the victim's family.

5 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Today

  1. IPC MP demands answers on unsolved 2022 pensioner murder case

    IPC member of parliament Lucia Mbuti has submitted questions to the home affairs minister seeking clarity on the investigation into the December 2022 rape and murder of 80-year-old Elina Samuel in Oshikoto Region, which remains unsolved nearly four years later. Mbuti has asked about forensic resources deployed, the status of DNA analysis, and alleged poor communication between police and the victim's family.

    5 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Zambezi NANSO seeks stronger government backing for student support

    The Namibia National Students Organisation's Zambezi Region branch says lack of government support is hindering efforts to address student concerns and implement resolutions from its 19th national congress. Regional representatives cited difficulties securing transport and logistical assistance, calling for deeper collaboration beyond meetings to translate student concerns into action.

    5 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Build Together beneficiaries in Katwitwi criticise house design

    Some beneficiaries of the National Build Together Housing Programme in Katwitwi settlement, Kavango West, say their homes are tiny and poorly designed, falling short of expectations.

    12 hours ago · Namibian Sun →

  4. Barbershops as safe spaces for men's conversation and connection

    Barbershops serve as more than haircut venues; they are spaces where men connect, share stories, and open up to one another.

    12 hours ago · Namibian Sun →

Yesterday

  1. Bigamy defined as crime under Namibian common law

    Bigamy — intentionally entering a civil marriage while already lawfully married — is a common-law crime in Namibia inherited from Roman-Dutch law. A subsequent marriage is void from inception and may deprive the second spouse of inheritance and property claims, though parental rights toward children from such a union remain.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  2. Three men charged with cannabis dealing face High Court trial

    Three men — David van der Linden, Armand Schultz, and Johannes Kamati — made a first pretrial appearance in the Windhoek High Court on charges of dealing in cannabis, possession of cannabis, and money laundering in connection with the discovery of a cannabis plantation at farm Eendrag in the Okahandja district. The case involves about 2.38 tonnes of cannabis valued at approximately N$55.1 million and was postponed to 17 February for a second pretrial hearing.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. EU investigates alleged N$140,000 misuse in Namibian education project

    The European Union is investigating allegations of possible misuse of N$140,000 in research project funds from the EU-funded Shine initiative, which aims to strengthen Namibia's higher education sector. Politician Job Amupanda claims Unam paid the amount directly to the Namibia National Students Organisation's bank account for congress organisation.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  4. Magnitude 4.9 earthquake recorded near Kamanjab Wednesday

    An earthquake with magnitude 4.9 was recorded near Kamanjab in the Kunene region on Wednesday night, with its epicentre approximately 6 kilometres west of the town. The event was followed by an aftershock on Thursday morning and was confirmed by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

    23 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Olympia Swimming Pool closes Friday–Saturday for event

    The City of Windhoek has closed the Olympia Swimming Pool on Friday and Saturday for an event, with the facility reopening on Sunday. The closure coincides with a heatwave expected to bring temperatures between 36°C and 42°C across the country, particularly affecting the Khomas region by Friday and southern Namibia over the weekend.

    22 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Man charged after breaking into Eros Airport VIP terminal

    A 25-year-old man described as an alleged mentally challenged patient, Modestus Didalelwa, unlawfully entered Eros Airport premises and the VIP terminal on 12 October 2026. He was charged with trespassing and released into his guardian's care, with the matter remanded for further investigations and mental observation.

    22 October 2026 · New Era →

  7. Pohamba family confirms burial at Okanghudi next Saturday

    The Pohamba family confirmed that late former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba will be buried next Saturday at a family cemetery in Okanghudi village, Ohangwena region, following a memorial service on Friday. Pohamba died on Saturday evening in Windhoek at age 78.

    22 October 2026 · New Era →

  8. PM proposes N$5 million budget allocation for sanitary products

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said he will propose a N$5 million allocation in the mid-term budget to combat period poverty in Namibia, with the funding aimed at improving access to menstrual products for schoolgirls from disadvantaged communities. He said period poverty affects girls' dignity, well-being, and ability to participate fully in their education.

    22 October 2026 · New Era →

  9. Former first lady Pohamba buried at Okanghudi village

    Former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba, who served from 2005 to 2015 and died on 17 October at age 78, was buried at her family cemetery in Okanghudi village, Ohangwena region, on 31 October. She was remembered for her work as a nurse and midwife during Namibia's liberation struggle and for her dedication to maternal and child healthcare.

    22 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Court upholds health ministry accountant's dismissal ruling

    The High Court dismissed former ministry of health and social services senior accountant Ricardo Hitikua's appeal against his dismissal for being absent from work for more than 30 consecutive days. Acting judge David Mangota ruled that weekends and public holidays count towards the statutory period of absence under the Public Service Act, finding that the law refers to consecutive calendar days rather than working days.

    22 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  11. Private students may face tuition gap under government funding model

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp told parliament that under the government's proposed subsidised tertiary education funding model for private institutions, the government would pay a predetermined amount towards course costs while parents would cover the difference. The minister said the government is proposing the arrangement to the treasury, President, and Cabinet, but did not confirm final approval.

    22 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  12. Family conflict over funeral costs reveals deeper tensions

    Death in southern African families often triggers financial strain and conflict when funeral costs—transport, catering, burial site, coordination—fall unevenly on relatives with different means and relationships to the deceased. Arguments over money at funerals reflect deeper issues of fairness, sacrifice, and care, leaving lasting resentments that reshape family relationships.

    22 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  13. Ministry confirms 4.9 magnitude earthquake at Kamanjab

    The ministry of industries, mines and energy confirmed a 4.9 magnitude earthquake recorded near Kamanjab on 21 October at 22:34, with a 3.2 magnitude aftershock recorded the following morning. The ministry cautioned residents to anticipate further seismological activity and provided safety guidance.

    22 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  14. Rain and water issues delay Uupindi classroom construction

    Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi inspected a half-built classroom at Uupindi Primary School in Omuntele constituency that was due for completion in May but remains incomplete.

    22 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  15. Police seek public help identifying Majiedt murder evidence

    Namibian police have appealed to the public for help identifying bedding and shopping bags found with the remains of Danelize Majiedt (27).

    22 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  16. Ministry handling 13 chieftaincy succession disputes

    The urban and rural development ministry has 13 outstanding chieftaincy succession disputes awaiting court judgments, legal advice, and administrative decisions.

    22 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 21 October

  1. Heatwave forecast to reach 42°C across Namibia through weekend

    The Namibia Meteorological Service warns of temperatures between 36°C and 42°C across the country until the weekend, caused by a high-pressure system moving from northern to central Namibia. The regions of Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, Kunene and Otjozondjupa are expected to be hardest hit, with public urged to stay hydrated and limit outdoor exposure between 12h00 and 15h00.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 87% of Namibian men aged 18–39 have never married

    The 2023 Population and Housing Census found that 87.2% of men aged 18–39 in Namibia had never been married. Experts attribute the shift to changing gender roles, women's financial independence, and reduced parental involvement in marriage decisions.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Frank Fredericks urges support for breast cancer awareness

    Former Olympian Frank Fredericks has urged Namibians to support breast cancer awareness and early detection through the inaugural NHP Pink Run, saying the event offers an opportunity to unite behind the cause and encourage screening and early intervention.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. N$1.2m early childhood centre opens at Rehoboth

    A new N$1.2 million early learning facility opened at Northside Primary School in the Hardap region on 20 October, built through a joint initiative by MTC and Development Workshop Namibia. The centre features two equipped classrooms and serves as a model environment for play-based development, early numeracy, and other learning activities for young children.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. No infant formula illness reported in Namibia so far

    Namibia has recorded no reported illness linked to a recalled batch of Nestlé NAN Special Pro HA infant formula, despite concerns over possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. The health minister said the recall was precautionary, but warned that potential consequences could be serious because the affected population involves infants.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Community health worker serves 400-strong Ondore village

    A community health worker in Kunene region's Ondore village serves over 400 people, including 79 children, walking between households to check on children and pregnant women, though he faces challenges including transport shortages, medicine unavailability, and overcrowding at health facilities.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Police seek public help identifying items in Majiedt murder case

    Namibian police have appealed for public assistance in identifying bedding and shopping bags found with the dismembered remains of Danelize Majiedt (27), discovered in October along Daan Viljoen Road. The police believe the location was a dumping site and are seeking information about Majiedt's movements between 23 August, when she was last seen, and 5 October, when her remains were discovered.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Pohamba credited as driving force behind Namibia HIV/AIDS success

    First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah attributed Namibia's exceptional performance in fighting HIV/AIDS—achieving a 97-98-98 rate and surpassing UN targets—to the dedication of the departed former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, who championed maternal and child healthcare, HIV/AIDS awareness, and community welfare.

    21 October 2026 · New Era →

  9. FIMA Chapter 5 governs pension death benefit payments

    The Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA), which came into force on 1 May 2026, replaced the Pension Funds Act of 1956 and includes provisions in Section 276 governing the payment of pension death benefits to members' families or other beneficiaries.

    21 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  10. Health ministry open to inquiry into Lüderitz hospital deaths

    Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says the ministry is open to an independent inquiry a year after a mother and her newborn baby died at Lüderitz District Hospital.

    21 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  11. Teen inventor quits scholarship over idea theft concerns

    A Kavango West teenager who created electricity from scrap batteries and water left the institute that awarded him a three-year scholarship following a dispute over how to demonstrate his invention.

    21 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 20 October

  1. Two Walvis Bay men discharged on rape charges in murder trial

    Two men accused of robbing and murdering Walvis Bay resident Vernon Gavin in his home on 30 December 2023 have been found not guilty on two rape charges. Judge Philanda Christiaan discharged Quanito van Vuuren (28) and Sem Moses (23) in the Windhoek High Court; they remain accused of the robbery and murder.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Police seek public help identifying items in Majiedt murder case

    Police are appealing for public assistance in identifying bedding, clothing and shopping bags used to conceal the torso and upper legs of murdered 27-year-old Danelize Majiedt, whose dismembered remains were discovered along Daan Viljoen Road on 5 October. Investigators are also seeking information about her movements between 23 August and 5 October 2026.

    20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba Served as Midwife

    Penehupifo Pohamba, who died aged 78 at a Windhoek hospital, worked as a midwife in Swapo's exile camps during the liberation struggle. Those she helped deliver, including Matilde 'Mboshono' Kulo born in 1981, remember her humanitarian commitment to ensuring women's survival during childbirth.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Windhoek orders relocation despite delayed land servicing

    The City of Windhoek says residents affected by the N$381-million Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road upgrade must relocate to Extensions 8 and 11, even though servicing of Extension 11 only begins in September 2027. Residents have resisted relocation, citing inadequate services and uncertainty over plot allocations.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Low ECC applications suggest widespread illegal sand mining in Namibia

    The environment ministry told parliament that only 56 applications for environmental clearance certificates were received over three years, raising concerns that many sand and gravel operators may be extracting without required approval. The ministry reported 15 cases of illegal mining but noted that the low application numbers across most regions prevent establishing the true scale of illegal extraction or adequacy of enforcement.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Education officials urge pupils not to define future by exam results

    Namibian education officials have urged pupils not to let "disappointing" examination results define their future, warning that academic setbacks are not the end of their educational journey. The call comes amid reported cases of pupils dying by suicide after receiving their examination results, including a Grade 12 pupil at St George's Diocesan School in January.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Curiosity Cube brings hands-on science learning to Namibian students

    During September and October, 1219 students from twelve Namibian schools participated in the Curiosity Cube, a mobile science lab run by Merck employees and University of Namibia volunteers, where students conducted interactive experiments in synthetic biology and STEM learning.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Namibians lost N$73.9 million to payment fraud in 2025

    Payment fraud cost Namibians N$73.9 million in 2025, a N$19 million increase from 2024, with vishing and phishing schemes impersonating legitimate institutions as the main contributing factor. As the financial sector aims to bring more first-time investors into the market, consumer protection and financial literacy are highlighted as essential safeguards against fraud.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Kalkfeld mother seeks funds for son's kidney transplant abroad

    A single mother from Kalkfeld is appealing for funds to take her four-year-old son to India for a kidney transplant after doctors diagnosed him with end-stage kidney failure. She has offered to be the donor and says treatment in South Africa would cost over N$2 million.

    20 October 2026 · New Era →

  10. Namibian graduate launches free classroom for vulnerable children

    Oscar Lineekela, a Unam education graduate seeking employment, plans to open a small learning centre in Havana, Windhoek, to provide free or low-cost quality education and homework support for children whose families cannot afford private schools or after-school programmes.

    20 October 2026 · New Era →

  11. Walvis Bay murder-accused acquitted on rape charges

    Two men accused of robbing and murdering Walvis Bay resident Vernon Gavin in December 2023 have been found not guilty of rape charges in the Windhoek High Court. Quanito van Vuuren (28) and Sem Moses (23) remain accused of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, with their trial ongoing.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Capricorn Group enhances mental health centre garden project

    Capricorn Group employees volunteered through the Change Makers programme to maintain the Garden of Hope at Windhoek Mental Health Centre, a space designed to promote hope, growth, care and renewal for patients. The initiative, established in partnership with the Centre in 2025, was supported this year by the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism, which donated fruit trees to the garden.

    20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  13. Man develops erectile dysfunction after unregulated sexual enhancement pills

    A 41-year-old man reports developing neurogenic erectile dysfunction after using unregulated sexual enhancement products purchased from a pharmacy in an attempt to address sexual performance issues related to stress and alcohol consumption. He said prolonged use of the pills, which he began taking in 2021 and increased to four to five times a week, eventually caused painful symptoms that strained his marriage and affected his daily life.

    20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 19 October

  1. Former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba dies at 78

    Penehupifo Pohamba, who died on Saturday in a Windhoek hospital, was a nurse and midwife remembered for advocating for maternal and child healthcare and HIV-AIDS response. She trained in Tanzania and Jamaica, worked as a liberation-era health worker, and continued community service after her husband's retirement as president in 2015.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. President funds prefabricated houses worth N$400,000

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has personally funded two prefabricated houses worth N$400,000 (N$200,000 each) for two women in Windhoek. The initiative was intended to test the feasibility of prefabricated construction and demonstrate how innovative building technologies could help address Namibia's estimated housing deficit of 500,000 units.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Man alleges anti-poaching unit tortured him for firearm

    A 40-year-old from Omuhama claims members of an anti-poaching unit kicked, tear-gassed, whipped, and put chili in his eyes during more than 12 hours of detention while demanding he hand over a firearm he says he did not possess. The assault reportedly occurred on 29–30 September near Etosha National Park.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Walvis Bay businessman Luis Garces dies at 76

    Luis Garces, a Walvis Bay businessman who owned the Harbour Cafe and Plaza, died on Friday at age 76 after spending four months in hospital following a second stroke. He is remembered by his family for his loving personality, sense of humour, and love of feeding lagoon birds and fishing.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Reverend Selma school lacks classrooms, tent collapses

    Learners at Reverend Selma Kawiiwa Primary School in Ohangwena region face difficult conditions, with 533 learners across 15 class groups but only six permanent classrooms; 35 Grade 6 learners sometimes attend lessons under trees when the ageing tent—in use for over two years—collapses in wind or rain.

    19 October 2026 · New Era →

  6. Customary marriages lack legal recognition, leaving spouses vulnerable

    Customary marriages in Namibia remain unrecognised for general legal purposes, exposing traditionally married couples—particularly widows—to loss of property and inheritance rights. Legal experts and traditional leaders are calling for formalisation, noting that pending legislation like the Marriage Act 14 of 2024 has not yet commenced, leaving couples dependent on civil marriage certificates for protection.

    19 October 2026 · New Era →

  7. Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba dies at 78

    Penehupifo Pohamba, former First Lady and a nurse and midwife who championed women's empowerment and rural clinic access during her decade in State House, died on Saturday night at age 78 at the Windhoek hospital bearing her name.

    19 October 2026 · New Era →

  8. ADM demands probe into Finestar treatment of workers

    The Action Democratic Movement has called for a government investigation into the alleged mistreatment of workers at Finestar Jewellery & Diamonds Namibia, after workers downed tools demanding better wages, allowances and working conditions. ADM claims the company violated workers' rights, including restricting food choices, locking employees inside premises, and refusing accepted apologies.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Namibia mourns death of former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba

    Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba died on 17 October 2026 at age 78, leaving a legacy of public service, women's empowerment, and advocacy for maternal and child healthcare. Pohamba served as Namibia's second First Lady from 2005 to 2015 during her husband Hifikepunye Pohamba's presidency.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  10. High Court sets aside NMRC rejection of antibiotic vials

    The High Court has set aside the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council's decision to reject Econo Investments' application to supply 140,000 vials of injectable antibiotic Ceftriaxone Sodium to the ministry of health and social services' Central Medical Stores, following a settlement agreement between the parties.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  11. NHP Pink Run draws nearly 2,000 for breast cancer awareness

    Namibia Health Plan held its inaugural Pink Run in Windhoek on Saturday, bringing together nearly 2,000 participants for 5km, 10km and 21km races to promote breast cancer awareness, screening and early detection. Organisers emphasised moving beyond awareness to action, including free clinical breast cancer screenings for female participants.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  12. NAM-CSIRT hosts masterclass on cyber incident handling

    Namibia's Cyber Security Incident Response Team held a one-day masterclass on cyber incident handling, response and crisis communication, bringing together systems administrators, security officers, and representatives from government and private sector to strengthen national cyber incident preparedness. Participants gained knowledge on incident detection, response coordination, and recovery, and participated in a tabletop exercise simulating real-world cyber incidents.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  13. Yango drivers protest for higher fares and better conditions

    Yango drivers gathered near Wernhill Mall on Friday to demand higher fares and improved working conditions, including a minimum fare increase to N$30.

    19 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  14. N$57 million revitalisation planned for Oluno Secondary School

    Oluno Secondary School in Ondangwa, which was closed due to safety concerns and left neglected for three years, is set to be revitalised.

    19 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  15. Former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba dies at 78

    Namibia has lost former first lady Penehupifo 'Penny' Pohamba, who died on Saturday at age 78 and helped shape the nation's post-independence history.

    19 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  16. Warmbad historical town faces commercial decline in ǁKaras

    Warmbad, established more than two centuries ago as a mission station in the ǁKaras region, has seen its commercial prominence fade, leaving deteriorating historical structures behind.

    19 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Sunday 18 October

  1. Man apprehended after breaching Eros Airport security

    A 25-year-old Namibian described as a mental outpatient on medication unlawfully entered Eros Airport in Windhoek on 12 October and accessed its VIP terminal, prompting a trespassing investigation and internal security review. Police apprehended him; he was released into his parents' care and is scheduled to reappear in court on 7 April 2027.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Retired principal dies from bee attack in Omusati region

    Epfras Uushona, 78, a retired principal of Ongandjera Secondary School, died on Friday after being attacked and stung by bees at Onaanda village in the Elim constituency. The community has expressed grief over his death and broader concerns about access to healthcare services in the area.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Vehicle accident in Zambezi region kills two conference participants

    An accident on the Katima Mulilo–Ngoma road in the Zambezi region on 17 October killed a Namibian university student and a delegate from Zimbabwe's National University of Science and Technology. The vehicle, carrying Kaza Universities Consortium Research conference participants back to Victoria Falls Airport, lost control after a tire burst; eight other occupants sustained injuries.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Finestar workers protest meat ban, stagnant food allowance

    Employees of Finestar Jewellery & Diamonds Namibia, an Indian-owned diamond manufacturing company in Windhoek, say they have not been allowed to eat meat at work for five years under a company vegetarian culture. Workers protested over stagnant food allowances and demanded better wages, food and transport allowances, and improved working conditions.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba dies at 78

    Penehupifo Pohamba, who served as Namibia's second first lady from 2005 to 2015, has died at age 78 in a northern hospital. She advocated for women's empowerment and the eradication of violence against women.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Government planning 50 VIP toilets in Otjozondjupa region

    The government plans to build 50 ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets in five constituencies in Otjozondjupa, adding to more than 125 already constructed in the region. The facilities are intended to improve sanitation access, particularly for elderly residents and pensioners who currently lack nearby toilet facilities.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Woman convicted of bigamy cites poverty as motivation

    Paulina Shiyanga pleaded guilty to bigamy after marrying a second man 42 days after her first marriage in 2011, telling Eenhana Magistrate's Court that poverty and need for financial assistance drove her to commit the offense despite knowing it was illegal.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Woman transforms early childhood centre from tree to equipped facility

    Tjiraakanua Zahungama started an early childhood development initiative in 2015 at Otuvero Village near Opuwo with 19 children learning under a tree, and has since developed it into a fully equipped learning centre with support from the community and partnerships including Unicef.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 17 October

  1. Two die in SUV tyre burst on B1 road

    Two people died when an SUV had a tyre burst and overturned on the B1 road in Zambezi region on Saturday morning. The vehicle was carrying 10 University of Namibia staff members travelling to Botswana when the accident occurred at around 07h00, and other passengers suffered serious to minor injuries.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. EU, Unicef assess Kunene early childhood development programmes

    A delegation from the European Union, Unicef and the government visited the Kunene region to assess early childhood development initiatives and health infrastructure. Only 17% of children in Kunene have access to ECD centres, compared with the national average of 24%.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Prosecutors honour slain control prosecutor Shiweda one year later

    The Office of the Prosecutor-General will visit the family of control prosecutor Justine Shiweda in the Oshana region on Saturday to commemorate her death one year after she was attacked in Ondangwa in October 2025. Shiweda sustained gunshot wounds and injuries from a corrosive substance and died in February 2026; Acting Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa will lead the remembrance visit, during which a wreath will be laid to recognize Shiweda's service to the justice system.

    17 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. NamWater assures Okahandja residents tap water remains safe

    NamWater has assured residents of Okahandja that tap water remains safe for consumption despite complaints about unusual taste and odour, which the corporation attributes to seasonal dam turnover at Von Bach Dam increasing organic compounds. The corporation has implemented corrective measures including improved activated carbon dosing, aeration, and increased water quality monitoring.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. 78-year-old man dies after bee attack in Omusati

    An elderly man was attacked by a swarm of bees at Onaanda Village, Elim Constituency, Omusati Region, on Friday evening and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Oshikuku Catholic Hospital.

    17 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  6. Young innovators cite funding, IP protection as key obstacles

    At Windhoek's National Student Research Symposium, young innovators raised concerns that limited funding, intellectual property challenges, and difficulty accessing industry support are major obstacles to turning research into marketable products. Student researchers, academics and industry representatives discussed converting research into practical and commercial solutions.

    17 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Standard Bank hands over 15 houses in Omusati region

    Standard Bank Namibia handed over 15 affordable houses at Onandjaba in Omusati as part of a broader project that delivered 84 homes. The houses were funded through the bank's Buy-a-Brick initiative, which has raised more than N$27 million and contributed to the construction of more than 740 houses nationwide since its 2015 launch.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Affordable matric care packages support exam stress

    Parents and caregivers can prepare inexpensive care packages for matric pupils preparing for national exams, including practical stationery, healthy snacks, drinks, and small comfort items to help them feel supported during their final exams.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Former church building in Keetmanshoop now operates as liquor store

    A former church building in Keetmanshoop has been converted into a liquor store by Keetmanshoop Superspar since the 1990s, sparking concerns among elderly residents and social media debate about the moral acceptability of using a former place of worship for alcohol sales.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Housing affordability crisis locks young Namibians out

    Namibia faces a housing paradox: hundreds of thousands of homes are needed, but formal market prices have soared beyond the reach of ordinary workers. The Bank of Namibia reports the weighted average house price at approximately N$1.44 million in the first quarter of 2026, while about 75% of workers earn less than N$5,000 a month.

    17 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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