Day: March 20, 2024

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in Oshikoto Region Region have opened a case of rape against an unknown cattle herder who allegedly raped a seven-year-old girl on Tuesday.

According to NamPol’s Crime Investigations Coordinator for the region, Deputy Commissioner Titus Ekandjo on Wednesday, the incident happened at an unknown time at Uuntyaye village in the Omuntele Constituency.

The victim is a Grade 1 learner at Amen Combined School and resides with her grandmother at Uuntyaye village.

‘It is alleged that the suspect came to the victim’s house, where he found the minor victim with her cousin, an eight-year-old boy,’ said Ekandjo.

He added that the minors were alone at home since their grandmother had gone to Onandjokwe State Hospital.

‘It is alleged that the suspect started calling the victim by her name and then held her by the hand, before going with her in the nearby bushes, where he undressed her and started touching the victims’ private parts before having sexual intercourse with the minor under
coercive circumstances,’ he added.

He further reported that the suspect is unknown to the victim and her cousin, but according to the victim’s cousin, it was not the first time that the unknown man came to the house and picked up the victim while the grandmother was away.

Ekandjo reported that after the incident on Tuesday, the victim rushed to Oniihandhila location and informed a woman about what had transpired, after which the police were informed and a case opened.

No arrest has been made as the suspect is unknown.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Addis Ababa: The second phase of the PROSPECTS partnership program, a ground-breaking initiative designed to strengthen the resilience, self-reliance, and inclusion of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) as well as host communities in Ethiopia, has been launched today.

The Government of the Netherlands, along with Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), line ministries, humanitarian and development agencies announced the launching.

Speaking about the accomplishments of the first phase of the program, Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Henk Jan Bakker underscored the program’s transformative potential.

According to him, more than 20,000 out of school children and young people gained access to learning opportunities through Accelerated Learning and Skills Development Programs.

Also, 20,000 jobs were created, child protection services enhanced for 60,000 minors, and birth certificates issued to 26,000 children.

In this phase backed by 800 million Euro in Dutch funding across eight countries, PROSPECT
S aims to equip youth with job-ready skills, catalyze economic opportunities, fortify child protection systems, and improve access to vital services and infrastructure.

Lauding Ethiopia’s refugee-friendly policies and integration efforts, Ambassador Bakker emphasized PROSPECTS core mission of investing in the potential of all individuals, irrespective of their status as refugees, IDPs, or host community members.

”I would like to take this moment to thank the Ethiopian government for its welcoming policy to refugees; and specifically for its pledges to transform selected refugee camps into sustainable urban settlements, and to include refugees into existing national systems,” he noted.

For the ambassador, collaboration remains pivotal to ensuring a meaningful impact, necessitating continued cooperation between donors, implementing partners, and the Ethiopian government.

Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Director-General, Teyiba Hassen, on her part reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the Global Compact
on Refugees.

She further added the need for clearly defined roles, robust communication, and stronger RRS-partner cooperation to address gaps identified in the first phase of the project.

As the expanded PROSPECTS partnership takes flight, Ethiopia takes a significant stride towards empowering refugees, IDPs, and host communities, fostering self-reliance, and paving the way for a more prosperous future for all.

The director-general further underscored the urgency of bolstering support for host nations and refugees amid a burgeoning forced displacement crisis.

Ethiopia is the third largest refugee-hosting country with refugees mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

A 48-year-old man allegedly died on Wednesday after he was trampled by an elephant.

The Namibian Police Force Omusati’s Crime Investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho, said the incident occurred around 23h00 at Otjorute village.

According to Simaho, the deceased and two other individuals were reportedly chasing an elephant from the mahangu field.

‘Later, after leaving the mahangu field, the elephant began chasing the three men, killing the deceased,’ he said.

Simaho identified the deceased as Pau Kanyome, who is originally from Ositoo village in Angola and was employed as a domestic worker.

Police investigations into the matter continues.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is planning on implementing a project which is aimed at strengthening Namibian food systems to recover from emergencies and disease-related shocks.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from this month until September 2024 through the Build Back Better Programme.

Speaking at a demonstration event for the project on Monday, the Head of Economic and Development at the Embassy of Japan in Namibia, Takehiro Yamada, said if any positive effects are to be realised in slowing down the current rural-to-urban migration, efforts to ensure that agriculture positively impacts rural communities, should be increased.

‘Increasing productivity and the use of innovative, efficient and climate-smart technologies and practices, rural areas can attain resistance to climate shocks and gain food security,’ Yamada said.

He said the Japan-funded project supports the piloting of modern
and innovative solutions to addressing climate change and shocks. The solutions include solar power pumping and irrigation solutions as well as solar-powered storage to reduce post-harvest loss, as well as the potential practice of geological agriculture in Namibia.

‘Innovation goes hand in hand with capacity building and therefore, all projects funded by the government of Japan are committed to directly impacting beneficiaries through training,’ Yamada stated.

Also speaking at the event was the Director of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Extension Services in the agriculture ministry, Ben Haraseb, who said the project has the potential to strengthen the resilience of Namibian Peri-Urban economic resistance to climate change through climate-smart agricultural production access to solar technologies, climate information, early warning systems and through adopting food systems.

The project is titled: ‘Strengthening and Building Resilience of Namibia’s Peri-Urban Communities to Climate Change t
hrough Climate-Smart Agricultural Production, Access to Solar Technologies, Climate Information and Early-Warning System.’

It will target 200 households (60 per cent of which should be female-headed) in peri-urban communities, increasing their adaptive capacities and resilience to climate shocks through income-generating activities from the sale of agro-produce and small stock.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OMARURU: In the vast expanse of Namibia’s Erongo Region lies a unique haven where history breathes and culture thrives.

Nestled amongst the Erongo Mountains, the Living Museum of the Ju/’Hoansi-San has since 2008 been inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time and tradition.

It offers an immersive experience and welcomes tourists, including local tourists, into a world where the echoes of the past resonate in the present.

Guided by the knowledgeable Xao Klaus, visitors are taken on a tour of the rich tapestry of the San people’s heritage.

Klaus during a recent familiarisation trip by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) for members of the local media and influencers explained that the museum stands as testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Ju/’Hoansi-San, who have inhabited these lands for millennia.

Through interactive demonstrations and engaging storytelling, Klaus and his fellow guides offered a glimpse into the daily lives, customs, and traditions of their forefathers. From hunting te
chniques to intricate crafts, every aspect of San culture is brought to life with authenticity.

What sets the museum apart is not just its historical significance, but also its approach to preservation. Unlike static exhibits behind glass, the living museum gives visitors the opportunity to witness traditions in practice and engage directly with the community, allowing them to experience the past firsthand.

The museum is open 365 days a year and has steadily gained popularity among tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences. It’s favourable location, coupled with the warm hospitality of the San people, has made it a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world.

Its popularity has not gone unnoticed by the NTB, which is spearheading initiatives to promote domestic tourism. As part of a broader tourism revival effort, the NTB organised the familiarisation trip focusing on central and western Namibia for the local media and social media influencers to explore and showcase the hidden gems o
f the region, with the Living Museum of the Ju/’Hoansi-San featured on the itinerary as well.

By championing local establishments like the living museum, the NTB aims to foster sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and host communities alike.

For Klaus and his fellow guides, the increased attention is a validation of their efforts to preserve and promote San culture. Beyond the economic benefits, they see tourism as a means of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Each visitor who walks through the museum’s gates not only contributes to its sustainability, but also becomes a custodian of its legacy, carrying the stories and traditions of the Ju/’Hoansi-San to the rest of the world.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

By Charity Nginyu

A dark cloud descended upon Foumbot in the West Region of Cameroon as violence erupted, claiming the life of a young individual amidst clashes between rival factions.

According to reports, tensions prevailed in Foumbot for some time, culminating in confrontations between groups of delinquents.

Eyewitnesses recount that the victim, attempted to quell the tensions as approached the belligerent group only to meet a swift and untimely demise. Despite his noble intentions, he fell victim to the violence perpetrated by the delinquents.

Following the tragedy, residents of Foumbot have expressed outrage and grief, lamenting the loss of one of their own to the senseless violence that has gripped their town.

Many have equally expressed frustration vis-a-vis the gendarmerie, as they blame them for failing to intervene despite being alerted to the escalating clashes.

The main reason that led to the confrontation was not given at press time but fights like this are common in this area and often lea
d to bloody outcomes.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

OMUTHIYA: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) from the Oshikoto Region are conducting two operational orders in support of the 34th independence celebration on 21 March 2024 and the midterm school break.

The first operational order is called operation ‘Tukuluho’ and started at Omuthiya on 19 March till 24 March 2024 while ‘Tsela Tshweu’ started on 19 March till 02 April 2024.

NamPol Deputy Commissioner of Crime Prevention in Oshikoto, Wynand Neels said that the objective of Tukuluho, which means independence in Silozi, is to protect life and property by maximum security before, during and after the commemoration of the 34th Independence Commemoration.

‘We want to mount massive checkpoints through crime intelligence-led, intensified operations and visible policing focusing on crime hotspot areas,’ said Neels.

He added that they want to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities on public roads by focusing on moving traffic violations, driving under the influence of alcohol, inconsiderate driving, overloading
, and unroadworthy vehicles.

‘We want to provide a safe and secure environment for our citizens and visitors during the period,’ said Neels.

Furthermore, Neels said operation Tsela Tshweu which means travel safe in Setswana, aims to preserve road safety along national roads aimed at bringing normalcy to the current situation and to save lives and property of all people in Oshikoto.

He said that the joint crime prevention and road safety operation will be conducted in all policing areas in the Oshikoto Region concentrating on crime-prone areas.

‘Sporadic and surprise stop-and-search roadblocks should be conducted along all roads covering the accident-prone zones and introducing crime awareness campaigns and sharing it with the public through media networks,’ he said.

Neels also pointed out that the government has been receiving threats from a group led by the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters and one of its members, activist Michael Amushelelo by boycotting the envisaged independence celebrations.

‘They
threaten to stage a demonstration against unemployment countrywide on 21 March 2024 aiming to instigate the nation,’ said Neels.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency