NEW ONANDJOKWE MATERNITY WARD BOOSTS MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES NBC Online Sun, 04/12/2026 - 20:59

[Namibian] The man (26) who has accused Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital intern doctor Dennis Noa of rape says he fears for his safety if Noa is granted bail.

Staff Reporter THE presence of cats in northern hospitals – a public nuisance for years – continues unabated, with no solution in sight. The problem is said to be most acute at the Onandjokwe District Hospital in the Oshikoto Region and the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital in the Oshana Region, although other facilities are also affected. Hospital authorities have previously admitted their inability to contain the felines. Patients, who now co-exist with the animals, complain that they “make a lot of noise and keep stealing our food.” --- Video: Contributed --- A pilot project launched three years ago to manage the population failed to improve the situation. Beyond the nuisance, the cats pose health risks as known carriers of infections. “Cats have been observed roaming in areas such as the wards, patient waiting areas, outpatient department, corridors, food service areas, and around the entrances of the hospital. Their presence in these areas may create hygiene and infection-control concerns, particularly because these facilities are used by sick and vulnerable patients,” said a complainant at Onandjokwe. The Oshana SPCA has announced it will launch a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) campaign at the Oshakati hospital after receiving numerous complaints. “We are hoping that through this campaign, we can help manage the population and prevent the situation from worsening,” the SPCA said. The organisation will also extend the campaign to several high schools in Oshakati and Ongwediva. The initiative is sponsored by Indongo Toyota Ongwediva. The post Cats overrun northern hospitals as complaints mount appeared first on Informanté.

The case of medical doctor Dennis Noa, who appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrates’ Court on Thursday on a charge of sexual assault, has been postponed to 9 October for the continuation of his bail application. Noa is accused of rape after an incident that allegedly occurred at his residence at Onandjokwe Hospital in July this year. During his appearance, the 31-year-old testified that he and the complainant had been in a relationship for about two months. Noa further testified that the complainant had allegedly attempted to extort money from him to invest in a taxi business. In his application for bail, Noa said he was not guilty and wanted to return to work to protect his career. He told the court that he would abide by any bail conditions and offered N$5,000 as bail. Noa was remanded in custody at the Omuthiya police holding cells.

Staff Reporter Medical doctor Dennis Noa, who stands accused of drugging and raping a 26-year-old man in July, has denied the allegations, claiming that the sexual encounter was consensual. Noa made the claim when he recently appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on a sexual assault charge stemming from an alleged incident at his residence at Onandjokwe Hospital. Testifying before magistrate Shantell-Antoinette Wanga-Harris, Noa said he knew the complainant and that they had spent the evening drinking at two establishments in Ondangwa before returning to his residence. He told the court that the complainant asked to spend the night at his residence because he was too intoxicated to drive. Noa maintained that the sexual encounter that followed was consensual. Noa also revealed that he had a pre-existing relationship with the complainant, which began in May. Noa was previously acquitted of another similar rape charge, in which he was accused of raping an immobile, unconscious 18-year-old car patient at Katutura Intermediate Hospital on 11 April 2021. He was, however, released after the state could not link any forensic evidence to him in connection with the incident. The post Noa denies rape allegations, claims encounter was consensual appeared first on Informanté.

MVA arms Onandjokwe with N$4m C-Arm  PressReader

Patience Makwele Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been urged to reduce trauma patient transfers following the installation of specialised medical equipment worth approximately N$4 million, which is expected to strengthen the facility’s capacity to handle trauma and orthopaedic cases locally. Oshikoto regional health director Josua Nghipangelwa said the C-Arm imaging machine, together with an orthopaedic drill […]

Patience Makwele Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been urged to reduce trauma patient transfers following the installation of specialised medical equipment worth approximately N$4 million, which is expected to strengthen the facility’s capacity to handle trauma and orthopaedic cases locally. Oshikoto regional health director Josua Nghipangelwa said the C-Arm imaging machine, together with an orthopaedic drill and saw, has raised the level of trauma care available at the state facility and should enable it to serve more patients from across northern Namibia. “With this new equipment, Onandjokwe hospital raises the level of trauma care that is capable at a state facility,” Nghipangelwa said at the official handover ceremony on Wednesday. He urged nurses, medical officers and other healthcare professionals to ensure that trauma patients who can be treated at Onandjokwe are managed and discharged there instead of being transferred to other providers. “By doing so, we make public healthcare sustainable by reducing patient transfers to other providers when the state is more than able to provide the same level of care,” he said. Nghipangelwa said Onandjokwe should also be prepared to receive patients from other state hospitals, including Tsumeb, Omuthiya, Eenhana, Okongo and Grootfontein, where the same capabilities may not be available. The call comes as Onandjokwe manages an average of 91 orthopaedic cases every month, according to MVA Fund board member Dr Akutu Munyika. Munyika, who delivered remarks on behalf of MVA Fund board chairperson Namene Shejavali-Lungu, said the cases range from fractures and dislocations to complex trauma injuries requiring surgical intervention. The caseload highlights Onandjokwe’s role as a key referral facility in northern Namibia and the need for technology capable of supporting specialised care. The C-Arm is a mobile X-ray imaging system that provides real-time images during surgical and interventional procedures. Its use is expected to improve surgical precision and assist medical teams with clinical decision-making, particularly during trauma and orthopaedic procedures. The equipment, valued at approximately N$4 million, was donated by the MVA Fund to the ministry of health and social services and has been installed at Onandjokwe. Munyika said the donation forms part of the Fund’s broader strategy of strengthening trauma-care capacity, expanding access to specialised medical services and investing in medical technology. The fund’s partnership with the ministry dates back to 2007, when the two institutions signed their first memorandum of understanding, initially focusing on equipping state ambulances with life-saving equipment before expanding investments to hospitals. In 2023, the fund, in partnership with Standard Bank Namibia, supported the redevelopment of the Emergency Wing at Katutura Intermediate Hospital with an investment of N$12.6 million. In 2025, it donated Namibia’s first Lodox Full-Body X-Ray Machine for clinical trauma care to Katutura, valued at N$13.2 million. The latest investment brings another specialised trauma-care capability to a public hospital outside Windhoek. Munyika said such investments are intended to complement government efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and clinical capacity. “Such investments contribute directly to improved health outcomes, reduced disability, faster recovery, and, ultimately, a healthier and more productive nation,” he said. Nghipangelwa said the value of healthcare investments should ultimately be measured by their impact on patients rather than simply by the number of facilities or equipment procured. He said progress should be reflected in lives saved, disabilities prevented, shorter recovery periods and greater public confidence in the public health system. The upgrade comes amid growing demand for specialised healthcare and trauma services, placing additional pressure on Namibia’s health system to expand capacity and modernise facilities. Nghipangelwa formally received the C-Arm machine and orthopaedic drill and saw on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the people of Namibia. The new equipment is expected to strengthen Onandjokwe’s ability to provide specialised trauma and orthopaedic care while supporting patients referred from surrounding state hospitals across northern Namibia.

Patience Makwele The ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation after an intern doctor stationed at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape. Dennis Iipumbu Noa (31) was remanded in custody on Monday after the State opposed bail. State prosecutor Aina Magano Mwaala […]

[Namibian] Onandjokwe medical doctor Dennis Noa, who is accused of raping a man this past weekend, was remanded in custody when he made his first appearance in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on Monday in connection with a rape charge.

-The Ondangwa Magistrate's Court has denied bail to Onandjokwe Hospital doctor Dennis Noa, who is accused of rape, citing ongoing investigations that still require six witness statements, a photo plan and three forensic reports. -A 42-year-old man has been denied bail after appearing in the Omuthiya Magistrate's Court on seven counts of rape involving minors aged between five and ten. Authorities also say the private school where he worked has been operating illegally since 2022. -Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has called on regional councils to improve project implementation and ensure public funds are spent efficiently, declaring an end to "business as usual" in rural development. -Namibia and five other SADC member states have developed National Leather Strategic Work Plans aimed at strengthening the region's leather industry ahead of the SADC Regional Leather Forum. That’s the News in Brief, with Cecilia Adeigbo. #NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp

[Namibian] The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it could not stop a doctor from practising after his acquittal, as he now faces a second rape investigation in five years.

Patience Makwele The ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation after an intern doctor stationed at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape. Dennis Iipumbu Noa (31) was remanded in custody on Monday after the State opposed bail. State prosecutor Aina Magano Mwaala […]

Patience Makwele The ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation after an intern doctor stationed at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape. Dennis Iipumbu Noa (31) was remanded in custody on Monday after the State opposed bail. State prosecutor Aina Magano Mwaala argued that the State has a prima facie case against the accused and raised concerns that he could interfere with witnesses or abscond. The matter was postponed to 27 October 2026 for a formal bail application. According to the police, the alleged incident occurred on Friday after Noa invited the 26-year-old complainant to Oniipa to celebrate his new job. Police allege the complainant travelled to the hospital, where the two went to the doctor’s room on the hospital premises. The complainant alleges Noa bought him alcoholic beverages before he noticed what appeared to be a pill dissolving in one of the drinks. After consuming it, he allegedly became nauseous and was sexually assaulted. He told police he escaped by breaking a window after finding the room locked and later regained consciousness in a hospital bed. Both the complainant and the accused underwent forensic medical examinations. The latest charge comes less than two years after the High Court overturned Noa’s conviction in an unrelated rape case involving a male patient at Katutura Hospital. Noa had been convicted and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of raping an unconscious patient in April 2021. However, in November 2024, the High Court set aside the conviction after finding that the State had failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry of health and social services said it had activated an internal administrative investigation while the police investigation continues. “The Ministry treats these allegations with the utmost seriousness. Such allegations are deeply concerning and are fundamentally inconsistent with the ethical standards, professional conduct and values expected from all health professionals serving under the Ministry,” executive director Penda Ithindi said. The ministry said it condemns all forms of sexual violence and remains committed to ensuring a safe, respectful and professional healthcare environment for patients, staff members and the public. Medical practitioner and health expert Buchane Nalucha said while an arrest should not be interpreted as proof of guilt, allegations against healthcare professionals inevitably affect public confidence in the health system. “Medicine is built on public trust. Patients place themselves in vulnerable situations with healthcare workers, so any allegation of abuse is treated extremely seriously because it affects confidence in the profession as a whole,” she said. Buchane said healthcare institutions have a responsibility to protect patients while criminal and administrative processes run their course, noting that employers often place employees on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of investigations. She also said the case highlights the challenges male survivors of sexual violence face in reporting abuse. “Many men suffer in silence because of stigma. We should be encouraging victims to come forward and ensuring they are treated with dignity when they report these crimes. The boy child also deserves to be heard and institutions must create an environment where male survivors feel safe enough to report sexual violence,” he said. Clinical psychologist Catherine Varaidzo Tafadzwa said allegations involving trusted professionals can have a profound psychological impact on survivors because they undermine a person’s sense of safety. “Cases like this often leave survivors dealing with much more than the immediate trauma. They may experience anxiety, fear, shame, difficulty sleeping and a loss of trust in other people, particularly if the alleged perpetrator is someone in a position of authority or trust,” she said. Tafadzwa said institutions also have a responsibility to respond transparently while respecting due process. “Whenever allegations involve a trusted professional, institutions should communicate clearly, support anyone affected and ensure established procedures are followed. A transparent response helps maintain public confidence while also respecting the rights of everyone involved, including the presumption of innocence during the legal process,” she said. She urged the public to allow the criminal justice process to take its course. “It is important that the public avoids rushing to conclusions about the accused while at the same time taking allegations seriously. Those two principles are not contradictory. We can support an investigation, encourage survivors to seek help and allow the courts to determine criminal responsibility,” Tafadzwa said.

Staff Reporter THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has said that it has taken note of an alleged rape incident that took place on 19 July 2026 at the premises of Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, as well as the subsequent arrest of a medical intern doctor stationed at the hospital in connection with the allegations. The doctor, Dennis Noa (31), appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on 20 July 2026 and was denied bail, with the state prosecutor in the matter saying there was a likelihood that he would reoffend, as he has the access and means to commit similar offences if granted bail. This follows allegations that he drugged a 26-year-old man who had visited him at his Onandjokwe hospital accommodation on 17 July. Noa was previously acquitted of another similar rape charge, in which he was accused of raping an immobile, unconscious 18-year-old car crash patient at Katutura Intermediate Hospital on 11 April 2021. He was, however, released after the state could not link any forensic evidence to him in connection with the incident. Penda Ithindi, the executive director within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, said the ministry treats these allegations with the utmost seriousness. “Such allegations are deeply concerning and are fundamentally inconsistent with the ethical standards, professional conduct and values expected from all health professionals serving under the Ministry. The matter is currently under investigation by the Namibian Police. While the criminal investigation is underway, the Ministry has also activated its internal administrative investigation and internal actions in accordance with the Public Service Act and applicable regulations,” Ithindi said. He concluded that the ministry unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual violence and remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful and professional healthcare environment for patients, staff members and the public. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: File The post Health ministry says it has initiated administrative investigations into alleged Onandjokwe rape case appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Reporter DENNIS Iipumbu Noa, a 31-year-old doctor at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape and was remanded in custody after the state opposed bail. State Prosecutor Aina Magano Mwaala said the state opposed the granting of bail to Noa, stating that it has a prima facie case against the accused, that he may interfere with witnesses and that he may abscond. The matter was postponed to 27 October 2026 for a formal bail application. It is alleged that Noa, on Friday, 17 July 2026, called the 26-year-old victim while he was at work and invited him to Oniipa to celebrate his new job and spend the weekend together. According to the police, the complainant was dropped off at the hospital gate, where the suspect was waiting for him. The two then went to the suspect’s room. The complainant alleged that the suspect bought him drinks, including a Windhoek Draught beer and shots of Smirnoff 1818 vodka. He further alleged that after the suspect took two cups to the kitchen and returned, he later noticed what appeared to be a pill dissolving in his drink. After consuming it, he began feeling nauseous. The complainant alleges that the suspect then sexually assaulted him. He told police that he managed to break free, broke a window to escape the locked room and ran away. He said he had no further recollection until he woke up in a hospital bed. Noa was previously accused of raping a male patient on 11 April 2021 at Katutura Hospital, who had been unconscious and admitted to the head injury ward. The intern doctor had been found guilty and sentenced to eight years in prison. In November 2024, the High Court overturned Noa’s rape conviction, finding that the state had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was guilty of the crimes for which he had been convicted, thus setting the young intern doctor free. Photo: File The post Dennis Noa appears in Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on new rape charges appeared first on Informanté.

Patience Makwele A 31-year-old medical doctor has been arrested after allegedly raping a 26-year-old man at Onandjokwe State Hospital in the Oshikoto Region. According to the crime report, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, 17 July and a case has been opened under the Combating of Rape Act. The suspect is expected to appear in […]

Patience Makwele A 31-year-old medical doctor has been arrested after allegedly raping a 26-year-old man at Onandjokwe State Hospital in the Oshikoto Region. According to the crime report, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, 17 July and a case has been opened under the Combating of Rape Act. The suspect is expected to appear in […]

Patience Makwele A 31-year-old medical doctor has been arrested after allegedly raping a 26-year-old man at Onandjokwe State Hospital in the Oshikoto Region. According to the crime report, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, 17 July and a case has been opened under the Combating of Rape Act. The suspect is expected to appear in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, while police investigations continue.

Staff Reporter A 31-YEAR-OLD medical doctor has been arrested in Oniipa, Oshikoto Region, on allegations of raping a 26-year-old man. According to the police, the incident occurred in the suspect’s room in the Onandjokwe District Hospital grounds during the early hours of Saturday. The police said that the complainant and the suspect met a few months ago when the complainant was working as a taxi driver and the suspect was a regular passenger. They later became acquaintances. It is alleged that on Friday, the suspect contacted the complainant while he was at work and invited him to Oniipa for the weekend to celebrate his new job. The complainant said he did not have money for transport, but the suspect offered to pay. According to the police, the complainant was dropped off at the hospital gate, where the suspect was waiting for him. The two then went to the suspect’s room. The complainant alleged that the suspect bought him drinks, including a Windhoek Draught beer and shots of Smirnoff 1818 Vodka. He further alleged that after the suspect took two cups to the kitchen and returned, he later noticed what appeared to be a pill dissolving in his drink and, after consuming it, began feeling nauseous. The complainant alleges the suspect then sexually assaulted him. He told police he managed to break free, broke a window to escape the locked room, and ran. He said he has no further recollection until he woke up in a hospital bed. Police said that both the complainant and the suspect were taken for medical assessments and rape kit examinations. The post Male medical practitioner arrested for alleged rape at Onandjokwe Hospital appeared first on Informanté.

[Namibian] Former Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital nurse Festus Amwaalwa, one of the accused in the N$2.2 million Sanlam fraud case, made his closing submissions in his bail application before the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on Friday.