By Charmaine Boois

Bethanie, July 31 – A horrifying attempted murder unfolded early on Saturday morning in Bethanie when a 19-year-old Namibian man became the victim of a violent stabbing rampage during a heated argument at a local bar.

According to the Namibian police report, the incident occurred at a bar where the 19-year-old victim, accompanied by his friends, engaged in a verbal dispute with a 22-year-old Namibian male suspect.

As tensions escalated, the situation took a dark and unexpected turn when the victim’s friends initiated the violence by attacking the suspect with a knife. Instead of defusing the confrontation, this action seemed to provoke a deadly rage within the 22-year-old suspect.

Allegedly armed with a knife, the suspect unleashed a merciless assault, repeatedly stabbing the 19-year-old victim, inflicting approximately 12 wounds all over his body.

Swiftly responding to the chaotic scene, the authorities were called, and an ambulance rushed the gravely injured victim to Keetmanshoop State Hospital. Medical personnel worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition, and as of the latest update, the young man remains in the hospital. Though still in critical condition, he is reported to be stable.

Meanwhile, the suspect was swiftly apprehended by the police shortly after the brutal incident, as confirmed by the Namibian police reports.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, as the community grapples with the shocking and senseless act of violence that unfolded in their midst. – Namibia Daily News

By Elezo Libanda

Katima Mulilo, July 31 – The number of traditional doctors, commonly known as witch doctors, is on the rise, particularly during these difficult economic times. Traditional healing involves indigenous practices, knowledge, and beliefs that incorporate ceremonies, plants, animals, or mineral-based medicines, as well as energetic therapies, to promote wellness.

In the Namibia Region, many people continue to fall victim to the practices of witch doctors, losing their hard-earned money and, in some cases, even surrendering their properties as tokens of appreciation for supposed healing or as advised by the traditional healers themselves. Unfortunately, the Namibian Medicine Regulatory Council is yet to finalize guidelines for the regulation of complementary medicines, including traditional ones. These guidelines are intended to establish a rigorous level of evidence for the quality, safety, and, where applicable, the efficacy of complementary medicines, aiming to protect the Namibian public and maintain consumer confidence.

The lack of regulatory measures has allowed the number of witch doctors to increase over the years, and some of them have taken advantage of their clients to an alarming extent. Reports of patients surrendering their houses and cars, or even losing their pension money, due to the influence of witch doctors have surfaced, all under the pretense of being healed.

As economic hardships affect everyone, it has become increasingly challenging to differentiate between genuine traditional healers and opportunists seeking to capitalize on people’s desperation to survive.

Benfector Masunda (65), a Zambian national, shared his experience as a traditional healer with NDN. He mentioned that his knowledge and techniques were not acquired overnight but were passed down through generations. His late father, who trained him, imparted the necessary wisdom to collect plants, roots, and other ingredients from the bush and combine them according to specific instructions. Masunda revealed that he has successfully helped numerous patients with various issues, including lost lovers, legal cases, and matchmaking.

When questioned about the authenticity of his products, Masunda assured NDN that they were indeed effective. However, he also acknowledged the existence of imposters pretending to be witch doctors, which contributes to public doubt and scepticism. He urged people not to generalize all traditional doctors, as there are genuine practitioners like himself.

Despite attempts to reach the chairperson of Traditional Doctors in Zambezi for comments, all efforts proved futile, as his phone remained unanswered. – Namibia Daily News

By Lylie Happiness

Otavi, July 31 – The serene landscapes of the Otjozondjupa region were marred by an unforeseen tragedy on a fateful Sunday morning, leaving the community in shock and grief. The heart-wrenching car crash that claimed two lives took place on the B1 main road.

The incident occurred around 6:00 AM, as the morning sun was just beginning to cast its warm glow over the vast Namibian horizon. In an unfortunate turn of events, the lives of Vinia Mweshitale, a 45-year-old Namibian male, and Sem Shaamwapeni Lineekela Honge, a 44-year-old Namibian male, ended abruptly and end abruptly.

The vehicle involved was a white Scania truck bearing the registration number FYSAL 10 NA. Its intended journey was far-reaching, carrying a precious cargo of boxes filled with crisp apples from the bountiful orchards of Cape Town, destined for the bustling markets of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the accounts given by Inspector Maureen Mbeha, the ill-fated driver lost control of the truck, turning a seemingly ordinary trip into a nightmarish catastrophe. In moments, the car careened off the road, its wheels skidding on the unforgiving gravel. In a heart-stopping climax, the vehicle overturned, leaving the witnesses in disbelief.

The loss of Vinia Mweshitale and Sem Shaamwapeni Lineekela Honge has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of their families, friends, and the community they were integral parts of.

As the investigation continues the officials are working tirelessly to piece together the sequence of incidents that resulted in this sad disaster.

The authorities have informed the next of kin and have arranged for the deceased’s bodies to be transported to the serene tranquillity of the Otjiwarongo police mortuary.

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

ONGWEDIVA, July 28 – The Mayor of Ongwediva, Tarah Shalyefu, has passionately called upon his constituents to actively participate in a town-wide General Cleaning Campaign. Organized by the Ongwediva Town Council through the Office of the Mayor, the campaign, held at the open space opposite Chicco Mall, is the result of collaborative efforts with various stakeholders who share the common goal of maintaining a clean, safe, and appealing town environment.

Mayor Shalyefu emphasized the significance of collective action in upholding cleanliness, not only in individual spaces but throughout the entire town. “Cleaning is not merely about one’s immediate surroundings, but it is a shared responsibility to ensure that our entire environment is cared for, beautified, and free from unwanted materials,” stated the Mayor.

He further stressed that cleanliness encompasses more than just physical actions; it also involves abstaining from practices that contribute to an unhygienic environment, such as littering.

Acknowledging Ongwediva’s reputation for cleanliness, an achievement resulting from years of community effort, Mayor Shalyefu urged all residents to sustain their hard work. He emphasized that the General Cleaning Campaign is not a one-time event but a catalyst for ongoing efforts to maintain a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing town.

Moreover, the Mayor highlighted the economic benefits of a clean town, expressing that cleanliness attracts quality investments that enhance the overall living standards in Ongwediva.

While commending the community’s cleaning endeavours, Mayor Shalyefu sternly addressed the issue of littering. He specifically called out individuals who casually discard bottles, plastics, and papers through car windows or in public spaces, emphasizing that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Ongwediva.

Additionally, he appealed to those who engage in environmentally harmful activities, such as tree cutting, to immediately cease such practices, warning of legal consequences.

Mayor Shalyefu expressed his honour in spearheading the General Cleaning Campaign and called upon residents to participate with passion and patriotism to uphold the cleanliness of their town. The campaign stands not only as a symbol of unity and community effort but also as a testament to Ongwediva’s commitment to environmental sustainability and overall attractiveness.- Namibia Daily News