Lylie Happiness

Oshakati, 24 July – Despite commendable efforts in maintaining law and order, the Omusati Region continues to grapple with concerning levels of crime. Governor Erginus Endjala expressed his apprehension during the state of the region address on Friday, emphasizing the need for collaboration between residents and law enforcement to combat the rising assault offenses and domestic violence.

While the overall crime rate remains under control, there has been an alarming surge in theft-related cases, with home invasions and stealing ranking at the top. Notably, incidents of stock theft have increased, especially in the Uukolonkadhi District, where stolen animals are being smuggled into the Republic of Angola. Additionally, illegal immigration and contraband smuggling along the Namibia-Angola borders have seen a rise, prompting intensified efforts from the police to curb these illicit activities. Overall, the number of reported criminal incidents has increased from 4,079 to 4,529.

A significant area of concern is the rise in domestic violence-related assaults, with 257 incidents reported. Tragically, out of 112 reported rape cases, a majority of the victims were children. The police have identified 653 thefts, 513 housebreaking and theft cases, 477 gender-based violence-related assaults, 447 other assault cases (including common assault and assault by threat), 257 domestic violence incidents, 232 stock theft cases, 226 fraud cases, 129 cell phone thefts, and 111 robbery cases. To combat these crimes effectively, the Namibian Police Force plans to enhance visibility through increased foot and vehicle patrols and improved crime detection methods.

Disturbingly, there have been 118 unnatural deaths reported, including shootings, hangings, overdoses, drownings, suffocations, and other tragic incidents. Of these, 81 were suicide cases, 18 were suffocations, and 16 were drownings. Tragically, 13 of the drowning victims were toddlers who perished due to lack of parental care, often left unattended while their guardians visited shebeens. Additionally, 16 infants were found to have died from suffocation, allegedly due to negligence from their intoxicated mothers. The Namibian Police Force has vowed to take strong action against these careless parents and guardians, pressing criminal charges and bringing them to court for prosecution.

Another pressing concern is the overcrowding in police holding cells, exacerbated by the delays in criminal cases being heard in court. Out of the sixteen police stations in the region, only seven have detention centers. The Outapi Police Station, in particular, lacks the capacity to accommodate convicts due to extensive repairs needed in its holding cells. Presently, the police cells in Outapi, Okahao, Ruacana, Tsandi, Onandjaba, Etayi, Oshifo, and Oshikuku, designed to hold 309 inmates, are overcrowded with 609 inmates, as reported by Endjala.

Addressing these challenges demands concerted efforts from law enforcement, the community, and government bodies. By prioritizing crime prevention and providing adequate resources to handle criminal cases swiftly, it is hoped that the Omusati Region can take significant steps towards a safer and more secure future.

By Elezo Libanda

Sports, 22 July – Zambia’s national women’s football team, the Copper Queens, suffered a devastating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Japan in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup Group C in New Zealand.

The Zambian team displayed remarkable determination in the first half, putting up a valiant fight against their opponents. However, in the second half, Japan seized the opportunity and capitalized on the Copper Queens’ disjointed play, securing a commanding lead.

Hinata Miyazawa scored the opening goal for Japan in the 43rd minute, and the Asian team went on to add four more goals in the second half, courtesy of Mina Tanaka, Miyazawa (second goal), Jun Endo, and Riko Ueki.

Following the game, Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape gracefully accepted defeat but couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“It is our first game, and unfortunately, it did not go the way we had envisioned,” Mwape said. “Our primary goal was to secure at least a draw or a victory in our favor, but the outcome didn’t align with our plans.”

Mwape acknowledged Japan’s disciplined approach and tactical prowess, especially when they were in possession of the ball, highlighting their ability to make fewer mistakes compared to the Zambian team. He attributed the defeat to the Copper Queens’ errors, which led to conceding all five goals.

Despite the challenging start, Mwape remains optimistic about Zambia’s chances of qualifying for the next round. He emphasized the need for significant improvement in the team’s performance during their next two matches.

“This defeat is not the end of the world; we still have a chance,” Mwape reassured. “We will go back, regroup, and strategize for the remaining two games. I am confident that we can bounce back and compete for a position to advance to the next round.”

The Copper Queens’ next crucial match will be against Spain on Tuesday, and fans are hopeful that the team will demonstrate their true potential and spirit on the field. -Namibia Daily News

By Elezo Libanda

International News – 22 July: The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka successfully arrested a Tanzanian national at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport for trafficking in cocaine, which he had concealed within his body by swallowing. The suspect, identified as Jacob Mzinga, aged 49, was apprehended on arrival from Brazil. He now faces charges of Trafficking and Importation of Narcotic Drugs, a violation of Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.

According to Delight Haangala, the deputy public relations officer for DEC, Mzinga had already discharged 104 pellets of cocaine, weighing a total of 2.312 kilograms. The extraction process is ongoing as authorities continue their investigation.

Ms. Haangala expressed concern over the prevailing trend of drugs flowing from South America, transiting through Zambia, and reaching Southern and Eastern Africa. She emphasized the Commission’s commitment to detecting drugs, regardless of the methods used for concealment, citing this recent seizure as a testament to their capabilities.

In a separate incident, the Commission also apprehended Evans Mbulo, 32 years old, for trafficking 36 sachets of Cocaine, weighing 2.7 grams. The arrest took place in the Matero Compound of Lusaka, an area where the Commission has received numerous reports of drug-related activities.

Ms. Haangala urged the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of drug abuse and trafficking to the Drug Enforcement Commission. She highlighted the risks faced not only by drug users but also by those who might become targets of harassment from such consumers.

The DEC’s continued efforts in combating drug trafficking serve as a crucial reminder of the significance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public to maintain a drug-free society.

Source: Mwebantu,

By Lylie Happiness

Windhoek, 21 July. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) has issued a stern warning in response to concerning reports about certain groups claiming to register veterans of the National Liberation Struggle for undisclosed benefits.

Edson Haufiku, the Public Relations Officer at the Defence Ministry, has strongly advised all registered veterans of the National Liberation Struggle to be cautious and avoid associating themselves with individuals requesting veteran numbers and cards for the registration of unknown benefits.

“Any veteran who willingly provides their information for this unfounded registration does so at their own risk, as this registration is not endorsed by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs or the Namibian government,” Haufiku concluded.

The Ministry has taken this matter seriously and urges all veterans to be vigilant and verify any registration initiatives before disclosing personal information. Such scams can pose significant risks to the veterans’ privacy and security, and the MoDVA is committed to safeguarding the interests of those who served the nation during the National Liberation Struggle.- Namibia Daily News