A man who fatally injured his pregnant girlfriend when he stabbed her with a knife more than five years ago has been found guilty on charges of murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice after standing trial in the Windhoek High Court. Judge Dinnah Usiku convicted the man, Abraham Maasdorp (24), in a judgement delivered on Friday. The state alleged that Maasdorp murdered his then girlfriend, Magda van Wyk (26), by stabbing her in the breast at Gobabis during the night of 2 to 3 August 2019. Van Wyk died in a hospital in Windhoek on 13 August 2019. During Maasdorp’s trial, Usiku was told that a post-mortem examination revealed Van Wyk had a small, penetrating stab wound to her heart, which caused bleeding in her chest. The bleeding proved to be fatal 10 days after the injury had been inflicted. The court also heard that Van Wyk visited a clinic at Gobabis on the day after the stabbing. The injury to her left breast was considered to be superficial at that stage, and the wound was stitched. Van Wyk returned to the clinic five days later, complaining of chest pain and lower abdominal pains, and a test then showed she was pregnant, the court heard. She was referred to a hospital at Gobabis, where she was admitted upon arrival. Van Wyk was being treated for an ectopic pregnancy before she died, with the cause of her death not clear at that stage. During Maasdorp’s trial, one of the state’s witnesses testified that she was with Van Wyk at a bar at Gobabis when Maasdorp, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, approached Van Wyk and asked her to go home with him. Maasdorp and Van Wyk were living together at the time. The witness said Van Wyk refused to go home with Maasdorp, and he then took out a knife and stabbed Van Wyk in the breast. Van Wyk did not report the incident to the police. One of the state’s witnesses told the court she advised Van Wyk to report the matter to the police, but she refused. Van Wyk also told the witness she could not explain why Maasdorp stabbed her, because she feared she would be killed by him, Usiku recounted in her judgement. According to Maasdorp, he found Van Wyk at a bar at Gobabis and noticed she was not looking well. He said she told him she had been stabbed by an unknown person when she tried to stop a fight between people at the bar. Maasdorp also said Van Wyk said she was well and did not want to go to a clinic then. Usiku rejected Maasdorp’s version about the stabbing as “clearly false”. The judge noted that Maasdorp “in actual fact played down the stabbing of [Van Wyk], claiming that it was no one’s business but theirs”. Usiku concluded that this, together with the nature of the weapon used by Maasdorp and the part of her body in which Van Wyk was stabbed, indicated that Maasdorp acted with an intention to kill Van Wyk. He was also found guilty of defeating or obstructing the course of justice for getting rid of the knife with which Van Wyk was stabbed. Maasdorp has to return to court for a presentence hearing on 6 June. State advocate Basson Lilungwe is representing the prosecution. Maasdorp is being represented by defence lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji. The post Man found guilty of murdering pregnant girlfriend in Windhoek High Court appeared first on The Namibian.

A planned protest demanding justice for Ingrid Maasdorp (5), who was raped and murdered at Okahandja last month, has been postponed to make way for the town’s upcoming 2025 Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo. Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotungondo says the municipality has been unfairly criticised by residents and Ingrid’s family over its handling of the planned demonstration. “People are not thinking straight,” she told Desert FM this week in response to claims that the municipality is prioritising the trade expo. She confirmed that the protest was postponed to 6 May after the conclusion of the five-day expo. Kotungondo said the expo is one of the town’s biggest annual events, with planning dating back to last year – before Ingrid’s killing. “We were at the scene the very day Ingrid’s body was found. The council supported the family financially and emotionally during the memorial. We even offered to donate a grave,” she said. Tensions have been simmering at the town since Ingrid’s grandmother, Dolly Maasdorp (54), accused the municipality of sidelining the protest in favour of the expo, scheduled to take place at the town’s sport stadium. Kotungondo, however, denied that the municipality has blocked any demonstration. “Nobody is prohibited from demonstrating. We only wanted to coordinate one unified protest after the expo to avoid chaos and ensure public safety. “That date was agreed on with the group leaders, but later we were told the family no longer wanted the municipality’s involvement,” she said. Katungonda said her office initially invited all protest organisers to consolidate their efforts into a single peaceful march that would also call for greater police visibility, mobile police stations, and a crackdown on crime at the town. “We are not the enemy. The point of the demonstration should be to demand that the police catch the culprits, not to fight the municipality,” she said. ‘IGNORED’ The Maasdorp family, however, has since distanced itself from any municipality-led efforts, saying they feel their voices are being ignored. Dolly grandmother, who has raised Ingrid since birth, this week said the family is losing faith in the police, with the alleged perpetrator still at large more than a month after the killing. She said the child was dropped off at KW von Marees Combined School on the morning of 20 March, but did not return home. Two days later, Ingrid’s body was discovered in a river bed under a bridge – battered and bearing signs of sexual assault. “We searched everywhere. When we couldn’t find her, we rushed to the police to report her missing,” Dolly told The Namibian. The family’s frustration deepened after a classmate of Ingrid’s claimed to have seen her being picked up that morning by a tall, light-skinned woman wearing a bonnet. The child reportedly gave this account to both teachers and the police on the evening Ingrid went missing and again the next morning. “But the police said the boy was too young to give reliable information,” Dolly said. “That doesn’t make sense. How could a small child give such a clear and consistent description twice if it wasn’t true?” The family, along with some teachers, later visited a woman in the area who matched this description. They described her behaviour as suspicious as she allegedly refused to let them in, while displaying signs of nervousness. They also noticed a bonnet matching the one the boy described hanging on her washing line. However, no arrest has been made to date. “It feels like they’re waiting for us to forget. But how do you forget something like this? She was only five years old,” Dolly said. National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi last week confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. “In this regard, the initial report shared was a missing persons report until the body was discovered. An investigation into this matter was launched since and is ongoing. “Cases of rape, murder and defeating the course of justice are being investigated and suspects are being pursued,” she said. The post Okahandja protest for justice delayed to make way for town’s tourism and trade expo appeared first on The Namibian.

Namibia has elected its first female leader, with Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah declared the winner Tuesday of last week’s presidential election as the long-ruling party remains in power.

Justicia Shipena Erongo Petroleum CC risks losing its assets through a public auction.  This follows a High Court order directing the company to pay more than N$86 000 owed to Seaside Hotel and Spa (Pty) Ltd. The case stems from services provided between August 2022 and November 2024.  The hotel said it offered accommodation, spa treatments and restaurant services to company owner Austin Elindi at Erongo Petroleum’s request, but invoices and statements went unpaid. A summons was served in July 2025, giving the fuel supplier ten days to respond.  Court records show no defence was filed.  On 15 August 2025, acting judge president of the High Court, Gervasius Ndauendapo, granted a default judgement ordering Erongo Petroleum to pay N$86 418.40 plus 20% annual interest backdated to 1 November 2024.  The court also awarded legal costs to the hotel. Following the ruling, Seaside Hotel’s lawyers, Wylie Legal Practitioners, secured a writ of execution signed on 20 August 2025.  The writ authorises the Deputy Sheriff in Windhoek to attach and sell Erongo Petroleum’s movable assets.  The order directs the sheriff to seize property at the company’s offices located at Hamilton Chartered Accountants, 136 Jan Jonker Road, Windhoek.  If payment is not made, the seized goods will be auctioned publicly, with proceeds used to settle the debt.  A bill of costs hearing was scheduled for 3 September 2025 to determine the exact legal fees. This ruling comes as Erongo Petroleum faces broader financial and legal troubles.   In July, the High Court placed the company under final liquidation after Namcor Petroleum Trading and Distribution (Pty) Ltd pressed for urgent relief. Namcor cited a ballooning debt of N$266.7 million dating back to November 2023, later reduced to N$260.7 million after calling up a N$6 million guarantee.  The court found that Erongo Petroleum’s liabilities far outweighed its assets and rejected claims that a pending investment deal with Pacific Creation Limited of Hong Kong could save the company. Elindi, who owns Erongo Petroleum, is also facing corruption and fraud charges linked to Namcor.  He is accused of paying over N$2.36 million in bribes to former Namcor employees between July and December 2022.  He also faces a separate fraud case involving N$238.6 million, where he allegedly misrepresented payments for fuel supplies to Namcor between December 2022 and May 2023. Elindi was arrested in early August, shortly after his father and uncle, Peter and Malakia Elindi, were detained on charges of defrauding Namcor of nearly N$400 million.

[Namibian] The family members of a boy (17) who died at the Oshakati Secondary School hostel a month ago say they will not rest until the full circumstances surrounding his death are disclosed.

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Rehoboth Town Council is facing the auction of its property to settle a N$1.8 million payout to former employee Bertha Drotsky, following a High Court ruling delivered in June. Councillor Jackie Jackson ‡Khariseb confirmed the ruling, saying, “The matter was agitated in favour of Bertha to a value of N$1.8 million, the council applied for an appeal under the judgement in June. The court held that whilst the appeal is granted, the order must be upheld and the N$1.8 million be paid out.” The council attempted to comply with the court order while safeguarding funds during the appeal process.  “The council engaged with the legal representatives of Bertha’s to pay the award into the trust fund of the legal practitioner’s firm to ensure that the funds remain safe until the appeal is finalised. However, they rejected this proposal hence the pending auction of council property,” ‡Khariseb said. He stressed that the council has not refused to pay.  “The council believes it has a strong appeal. The council did not refuse to pay the money that was awarded. We are in the process of appealing the public auction,” he said. The dispute began with Drotsky’s legal challenge, which resulted in the High Court awarding her N$1.8 million.  Although the council immediately filed for appeal, the court ruled that the appeal did not suspend the order to pay. Court documents reaffirm this point. “While the appeal is granted, the order must be upheld and the N$1.8 million must be paid out,” the ruling stated. Drotsky’s representatives rejected the council’s proposal to hold the money in trust and demanded full payment.  Their refusal cleared the way for enforcement, including the auction of municipal assets. The development has sparked public concern, as the sale of council property to settle the award could affect service delivery and local administration.  The council, however, maintains that it is committed to following the law while protecting public resources. ‡Khariseb repeated that the council had acted in good faith.  “The council engaged with the legal representatives of Bertha’s to pay the award into the trust fund of the legal practitioner’s firm to ensure that the funds remain safe until the appeal is finalised. However, they rejected this proposal; hence, the pending auction of council property,” he said.

Allexer Namundjembo After more than a decade of legal battles, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has officially been designated as chief of the Vakwangali people, succeeding the late chief Sitentu Mpasi, who died 11 years ago. The ceremony drew traditional leaders from across the country and neighbouring Angola, including chief Sofia Mujembwe of Sambyu, chief Alfons Kaundu of Mbunza, and chief May Kasamane of Mangondo. The path to Kudumo’s recognition was long and contested. In February 2017, the Windhoek High Court set aside the minister of urban and rural development’s decision to designate him, citing irregularities in the nomination process.  The challenge came from a faction within the Vakwangali Traditional Authority. The case continued until 2019, when the Supreme Court emphasised that traditional protocols must be followed in nominating and designating a chief.  The ministry was instructed to ensure full compliance with customary procedures. Last month, after consultative meetings with the royal family, applicants, and the Traditional Council (Masimbi), urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa formally approved Kudumo’s application. Sankwasa had referred to section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000 when he made the approval.Sankwasa confirmed that the process met customary law requirements as outlined by the Supreme Court. With approval granted, the Ukwangali Traditional Authority set a date for the official designation.  At the ceremony over the weekend, Sankwasa urged traditional leaders to promote peace, welfare, and adherence to customary law while protecting language and traditions.  He presented Kudumo with the Constitution of Namibia, the Traditional Authorities Act, and the Communal Land Reform Act. In his acceptance speech, Kudumo called for unity.  “I am chief of all people,” he declared, stressing that he represents all members of the community, including those who opposed his designation. Sankwasa’s sentiments were also conveyed in a letter read by Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo.  In the letter, Sankwasa approved the designation and commended the Ukwangali Traditional Authority for ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.  He urged outsiders to stop interfering in the chieftaincy, saying disputes had caused confusion and hindered progress.  He also highlighted the importance of a recognised chief in safeguarding land rights and promoting development. Sankwasa expressed disappointment with individuals involved in the dispute and called for honesty and integrity.  He said the resolution of the matter offered the community a chance to move forward under acknowledged leadership.

Opinion – Youthful Namibia today, pensioners tomorrow  New Era Namibia

The Diocese of Namibia celebrates its centenary anniversary  Anglican Communion News Service

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Windhoek City Police deputy chief for operations, senior superintendent Eliaser Iiyambo, and his brother Simon have appealed a High Court ruling that ordered them to vacate land they seized from their late uncle’s widow. The case stems from the death of dentist Daniel Uutoni in March 2019. Uutoni had married Aili Ndapandameme Iilende in 2018, and the couple lived at their homestead in Okathitukambanda village near Okahao. After his death, the Iiyambo brothers allegedly evicted Iilende and her three children from the family homestead, locked the properties, and began occupying them. In October 2020, the Ongandjera Traditional Authority, under King Johannes Mupiya, ruled that Iilende was entitled to remain on the land as the surviving spouse, in line with the Communal Land Reform Act. The authority ordered that she be given peaceful possession of the Olundjinda homestead and the Etunda farming unit. The brothers refused to comply, forcing Iilende, the Traditional Authority, the Omusati Communal Land Board, and Uutoni’s estate to approach the Oshakati High Court. On 24 July 2025, High Court judge David Munsu ruled in Iilende’s favour. He ordered the Iiyambo brothers to return keys to the Olundjinda homestead and hand over vacant possession of both the homestead and the Etunda farming unit within ten days. The court authorised the deputy sheriff to assist Iilende if the brothers failed to comply and ordered the eviction of all occupants from the disputed land. The brothers were also instructed to pay the legal costs of Iilende, the Ongandjera Traditional Authority, the Omusati Communal Land Board, and Uutoni’s estate. The brothers lodged their appeal in the Supreme Court on 7 August 2025. Through their lawyers, Slogan Mathues & Associates, they argue that the High Court erred in law and fact. They claim Munsu misdirected himself by finding that Iilende’s case was based on unlawful dispossession rather than the ratification of customary land rights. They say Iilende was not in possession of the disputed land at the time of the alleged dispossession, pointing out that she lived and worked in Oshakati and only visited occasionally. They further argue that the Etunda farming unit could not have been in her possession because it contained no movable property and could not be locked. The brothers also contend that the consent granted by the Ongandjera Traditional Authority for Iilende to claim the land was never ratified by the Omusati Communal Land Board, making it legally invalid. They argue that Dr Uutoni was never allocated customary land rights at Olundjinda, meaning the Traditional Authority could not reallocate such rights to his widow. The Iiyambo brothers are now asking the Supreme Court to set aside the High Court ruling, dismiss Iilende’s claim, and order her to pay the legal costs of the case, including those of two counsel.

CDH Namibia strengthening our regional presence as of 1 September 2025  Polity.org.za

Allexer Namundjebo Zambezi regional leadership says they are unaware of the directive by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa dissolving the Katima Mulilo Town Council. Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive officer Raphael Liswaniso said he had not received any official communication.  “As far as I am concerned, I did not receive anything. No official communication to that effect,” he told Windhoek Observer. Liswaniso explained that Sankwasa had invited councillors and staff to meetings this week, including one with the community on Thursday.  “He sent us invitations to several meetings. There is also an invitation to meet staff management, and he will later meet the community on Thursday,” he said, noting there was no indication from the minister that the council was dissolved. Although Sankwasa did not respond to questions sent by the Windhoek Observer, a government gazette published on 15 August announced the removal of all council members under government notice No. 194.  In the notice, Sankwasa cited section 92(2) of the Local Authorities Act of 1992 and declared that all powers, duties, and functions of the council now vest in his office.  “All the members of the council are removed from office, with effect from the date of publication of this notice in the Gazette,” the statement reads.  Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula told the Windhoek Observer she had no knowledge of the decision.  “I am also not aware that the council has been dissolved,” she said, adding she could not comment as she is a newly appointed governor. Three weeks earlier, Sankwasa issued an ultimatum to councillors to explain allegations of governance and financial mismanagement by Friday or face suspension or dismissal.  Last week, the council defied the minister’s order to stop using RedForce Debt Management, arguing the directive had no legal standing and violated procurement laws.  This is despite residents of Katima Mulilo having staged several protests demanding the termination of RedForce services.  Sankwasa earlier this month instructed all local authorities to cut ties with RedForce and avoid new agreements with the company. Political analyst Sakaria Johannes said the dissolution was expected.  “This also shows how Sankwasa is serious about his work. We come from a culture where people, especially government officials, have not been serious about their responsibilities,” he said.  Johannes added that the move demonstrates how the minister is exercising the powers vested in his office. The council has been embroiled in controversy for quite a while now.  In May, Sankwasa accused councillors of selling public land without ministerial approval and ordered the return of three luxury vehicles allegedly linked to a questionable deal.  In the same month, the Windhoek Observer reported that the council had exchanged 31 hectares of land for two vehicles with Windhoek-based Risk-Based Solutions CC, owned by Dr Sindila Mwiya.  A letter dated 15 June 2023 from Liswaniso confirmed the transaction. During a visit that same month, Sankwasa ordered the return of the vehicles, saying land should not be traded for movable property, as land gains value while vehicles depreciate. Moreover, councillors, including mayor John Ntemwa, rejected the allegations, accusing Sankwasa of tribalism, political interference, and abuse of office.  They claimed his actions were meant to destabilise the council ahead of local authority elections and linked them to past labour disputes he lost while serving as a consultant against the council. Last month, over 1 000 residents, led by youth, business owners, and informal settlers, marched to the council offices to deliver a petition against corruption.  The petition, which accused the council of looting municipal land and demanded transparency and accountability. Sankwasa is expected to address the Katima Mulilo business community and residents this week.

Momentum Namibia retains best life insurer award – News Stand  Windhoek Observer

Minister Sankwasa dissolves Katima Mulilo Town Council NBC Online Mon, 08/18/2025 - 19:57

Allexer Namundjembo After nearly a decade of leadership uncertainty, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority. Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa confirmed the decision in a letter dated 12 August 2025, addressed to Sisindi Mbambero, a member of the Uukwangali Chiefs Council.  The Uukwangali community has been without a recognised chief since the passing of chief Daniel Sitentu Mpasi on 17 December 2014. Leadership succession was delayed due to disputes within the royal family and legal challenges, including a 2019 High Court ruling that set aside Siwombe’s initial appointment.  The court cited procedural irregularities in the nomination process, leaving the authority without recognised leadership for years. “Drawing on our own history of following customary law and upholding justice, we are pleased to confirm Eugene Siwombe as the rightful Chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority,” Sankwasa said. According to reports, a consultative meeting held in Nkurenkuru last week with the disputing applicants, royal family members and the Traditional Council (Masimbi) confirmed that customary procedures were properly followed.  The minister cited section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), as the legal basis for approving Siwombe’s appointment. Sankwasa has been actively involved in resolving chieftaincy disputes across Namibia since taking office. His interventions have facilitated dialogue and ensured adherence to legal frameworks, helping communities such as the Gciriku and Masubia to resolve disputes and appoint recognised chiefs. “This designation marks the end of years of uncertainty and brings hope and stability to the Uukwangali Traditional Authority,” said Sankwasa. Siwombe’s appointment follows previous interventions by former president Nangolo Mbumba, who in December 2024 acknowledged the removal of the former Uukwangali “Hompa” after ongoing family disputes and legal proceedings. Namibia continues to face leadership disputes in several traditional authorities. The Ovaherero Traditional Authority is still torn on having a substantive chief.  The Dâure Daman Traditional Authority faces unrest, with community members demanding the removal of Chief Sagarias Seibeb over alleged financial mismanagement and lack of development. Protests and sit-ins have been staged. The Uukwambi Traditional Authority remains divided over leadership and the appointment of a new chief, with a 2024 court case highlighting tensions.  The Uukwambi royal family has sought to reinstate the monarchy, which was ended in 1932, and planned commemorations have clashed with the current authority led by chief Herman Iipumbu. The Blouwes clan has also faced leadership challenges since 2012, with the recognition of acting leader Johannes Benjamin Koopman contested by parts of the ǁKhawoben community seeking their own leadership.

By: Staff Reporter Four men were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly stealing a goat at Mbore village in Kavango West Region. According to Head of Community Policing, Chief Inspector Raimbert...

The Windhoek Observer has taken note of a letter of demand dated 23 July 2025 from Lubbe & Saaiman Incorporated, acting on behalf of businessman Mr Elmo Kaiyamo.  The letter demands the removal of a photograph published alongside an article relating to Professor Job Amupanda, as well as a written undertaking to refrain from publishing Mr Kaiyamo’s image in the future. The image in question was taken at a public event, specifically, a book launch attended by several members of the public, including Mr Kaiyamo and Prof. Amupanda. The photograph depicts attendees in a general, non-targeted manner. At no point was Mr Kaiyamo referenced in the article, nor was he the subject of any commentary. The editorial focus was solely on Prof. Amupanda and the event itself. Through our legal representatives, the Windhoek Observer has made its position clear: photographs taken at public events are not subject to prior consent when used in a lawful, contextual, and non-defamatory manner. This principle is firmly supported by constitutional protections for press freedom, as well as legal precedent in democratic societies worldwide. The media is entitled, and indeed obligated, to document matters of public interest, including events where individuals voluntarily appear in public. Mr Kaiyamo, as a respected public figure who frequently participates in high-profile gatherings, cannot reasonably expect privacy at such events. There was no suggestion in the article or its accompanying image of any relationship, involvement, or endorsement by Mr Kaiyamo. The photograph was neither manipulated nor presented in a way that could cause reputational harm. Any assumptions drawn beyond what was published do not stem from the conduct of this publication. The demands to remove the image, issue undertakings, or cease the lawful editorial use of the photograph are therefore rejected. The Windhoek Observer will not comply with requests that infringe on its constitutional right to freedom of expression and the press. We have made it clear that our editorial decisions remain guided by journalistic ethics, the public interest, and the legal framework within which we operate. We respect the rights of all individuals, including public figures, and remain committed to ethical reporting. However, this commitment must be balanced against our duty to inform the public and uphold the principles of a free and independent press. Should any legal action proceed, we are prepared to vigorously defend our rights through the appropriate legal channels. The Windhoek Observer remains steadfast in its mission: to report without fear or favour and to safeguard the freedoms that are essential to a democratic society.

Justicia Shipena Self-employed plumber and accused number nine in the high-profile Namcor fuel corruption and bribery case, Leo Nandago Stefanus (36), says he was approached by Austin Elindi, son of businessman Peter Elindi, to start a petroleum company in which he would hold shares. Stefanus said Austin came to him towards the end of 2019 or early 2020 with the idea of establishing Erongo Petroleum CC. He made this statement in an affidavit submitted as part of his formal bail application at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. “Sometime towards the end of the year 2019 or at the beginning of the year 2020, Mr Austin Elindi… approached me with an idea of registering a petroleum company,” he said. Erongo Petroleum was registered in February 2020.  Stefanus initially held 40% of the company. His share increased to 70%, and by May 2022, he became the sole shareholder. He said he later transferred his entire interest to Austin in February 2024. He told the court that during the period between December 2022 and May 2023, when the alleged fraudulent fuel supply transactions took place, he was not the sole shareholder, as claimed by the state. “Thus, the state’s allegation that I was during the said period the 100% shareholder of Erongo Petroleum is factually incorrect and at odds with the documents in the police docket,” he said. Although listed as an authorised signatory on the company’s bank account, Stefanus said he had no online access.  He stated that Austin handled all operations under powers of attorney signed by the members. “The operations of the business were attended to by Austin,” he said, adding that Austin acted on behalf of the company without further input from others. The state alleges Stefanus unlawfully received fuel worth N$228 million between 1 August 2022 and 4 May 2023.  The state further claims the fuel was acquired through racketeering and that Stefanus knew or should have known it was the proceeds of unlawful conduct. During Stefanus’ first court appearance last month, prosecutor Menencia Hinda told the court the funds were allegedly used to set up and run Erongo Petroleum CC and Quality Supplies CC. The state alleges that on 26 July 2022, Stefanus transferred N$350,000 from Erongo Petroleum’s bank account to Quality Meat Supplies CC.  That money was later transferred to Cornelius Petrus Willemse, then a Namcor employee and now a co-accused. Stefanus denied the state’s claim that he paid N$500,000 to Quality Meat Supply CC as a gratification for Jennifer Hamukwaya, Namcor’s then-executive for finance and administration, who has also been arrested.  Jennifer concluded her testimony in the bail application on Monday. Stefanus also challenged the fraud charge and its alternative of theft under false pretences.  He said the fuel acquired from Namcor was paid for in line with a fuel supply agreement between the companies. Based on bank statements provided by the state, he claimed that Erongo Petroleum paid Namcor N$59.5 million between 1 December 2022 and 30 May 2023. “There is simply no factual basis on which the allegations against me could be premised. I deny the aforesaid allegations against me in the strongest terms and intend to plead not guilty,” he said. Stefanus was arrested on 10 July 2025 and appeared in court the next day.  He is applying for a bail of N$5,000, saying he earns about N$10,000 monthly through plumbing and construction work.  He said the bail amount would be sourced from friends and family. “I have no intentions of becoming a fugitive of the Namibian criminal justice system,” he said.  He added that he is willing to surrender his passport and comply with any bail conditions. Stefanus said he has no pending trials or previous convictions and has never interfered in investigations. “I intend to have my day in court and to prove my innocence in trial,” he said. He argued that the state’s case is weak and based on flawed assumptions.  He asked the court to grant him bail pending the trial. Those arrested in the case include Peter Elindi, his brother Malakia Elindi, former Namcor managing director Immanuel Mulunga, Cornelius Willemse, Jennifer Hamukwaya, her husband Panduleni Hamukwaya, Olivia Grace Dunaiski, and Lydia Elindi, wife of Malakia.  Victor Malima, also named in the matter, has reportedly fled to Angola and is subject to a warrant of arrest. Companies named in the case include Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding CC, Nyambali Medical Centre CC, Panduleni Farming CC, and Parkwood Petroleum Logistics CC. The bail application continues.

Bank of Namibia acknowledges ‘Outere’ concerns  The Namibian -

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The recent reshuffle of executive directors, involving officials previously linked to the ministry of health, has raised concerns about corruption and instability in the public service.  Ben Nangombe who served as executive directors at the health ministry is among those affected by the latest transfers. Nangombe served as the executive director of the health ministry from 2018 until March this year, before being transferred to the ministry of industries, mines, and energy. The office of the prime minister announced the changes on Thursday, with effect from 1 August.  This marks the second round of reshuffles in just over four months since the new administration took office. Many of the officials had only recently been appointed, prompting questions about the reasoning behind the swift changes. The office has not provided any explanation, but sources told the Windhoek Observer that the moves may be linked to longstanding corruption concerns, particularly involving procurement issues at the ministry of health dating back to 2020.  This week, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed it had intensified investigations into the alleged mismanagement of over N$600 million in medicine tenders.  Former suppliers, ministry staff, and a relative of a senior executive are under scrutiny regarding this.  Media reports show that in 2020, former health minister Dr. Bernard Haufiku submitted files alleging inflated drug prices, collusion between staff and suppliers, and irregular procurement practices. It remains unclear whether the allegations were ever investigated. Three weeks ago, health ministry executive Penda Ithindi told the Windhoek Observer that the health ministry was forced to spend over N$54.8 million through emergency procurement due to delays by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN).  He said slow, tender processes and legal disputes had left the ministry with no option but to use restricted and direct procurement methods. The reshuffle also includes Nghidinua Daniel, who moves from justice and labour relations to home affairs, immigration, safety, and security. Audrin Mathe shifts from ICT to justice and labour relations. Nangombe moves from industries, mines and energy to the prime minister’s cabinet secretariat. The changes also affect accounting functions. Erastus Haitengela becomes executive director and accounting officer for education, innovation, youth, sports, arts, and culture.  Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata now handles accounting for agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, while Moses Pakote takes charge of industries, mines and energy.  An acting executive director will be appointed for ICT following Mathe’s departure. These moves also follow the 31 July retirement of Etienne Maritz as the executive director at home affairs. Political analyst Marius Kudumo said the short time since the last appointments makes the new reshuffle appear premature.  “When these executive directors were appointed this year, their expertise and experience should have been considered carefully for their specific portfolios,” he said.  “There have been cases in the past where conflicts between ministers and executive directors negatively impacted ministry operations and staff morale.” He said constant changes hurt continuity.  “Both ministers and executive directors need time to settle into their roles and understand ministry operations. Frequent changes prevent this, leading to delays in work and a lack of stability. Perhaps the recently launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) launch included an evaluation identifying issues, but without reasonable explanation, the public may lose confidence. Ultimately, people want to see results, urgency, and impact.” Another analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the frequent reshuffles suggest internal instability.  “My sense is that something is off with this new administration. This string of reshuffles in such a short time points to instability or uncertainty. It doesn’t inspire confidence. Simply moving the same people around, like ‘old wine in new bottles,’ suggests a lack of fresh ideas or direction,” he said. He added that the reshuffles may be a reaction to internal or external pressure.  “It looks like the prime minister is trying to regain control, fix internal problems, or respond to external pressures. This indicates deeper issues within the ruling party or the public service, which may be struggling to meet rising expectations.” He warned that service delivery could suffer.  “Transitions require time. Without real reforms or new talent, performance will likely stagnate or worsen.” Earlier in March, the government had transferred 18 executive directors to improve efficiency.  Daniel had moved from urban and rural development to justice, and Nangombe from health to industries, mines and energy.  Mathe was not moved during that reshuffle. That process was linked to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s directive to fix bottlenecks and meet service delivery deadlines. At the time, the then secretary to the Cabinet, George Simataa, said executive directors without accounting authority support those with it and report to them. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, political analyst Sam Kauapirura said the recent moves may reflect a push to align leadership with government priorities.  “Some of the rationale may also be administrative streamlining and accountability, assigning specific accounting functions to executive directors,” he said. He said the reshuffle shows the executive’s desire for efficiency, financial oversight, and better service delivery.  “One reason could be an attempt to break from the past, especially where key individuals from the previous government still hold positions that may not align with current priorities,” he said.  He added that reshuffles may be used to maintain accountability and pressure.  Kauapirura believes the reshuffle follows internal reviews, including a 100-day assessment that may have highlighted performance concerns. “This government wants more speed in delivery. It wants real impact.” Kauapirura said more reviews could follow in March next year, when the administration reaches its one-year mark.  “By then, the budget would have passed, and execution must begin. This reshuffle is meant to make sure the machinery is ready.” Kauapirura said that the redeployment of officials, including one who was sent to the prime minister’s office without accounting authority, shows that the appointing authorities made specific considerations.  He warned that public trust may be at risk.  “Senior government officials should know they’re not in their chairs for the next five years by default. They’ll be kept under a microscope. And the executive will act when there’s poor performance or ethical concerns.”

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