Residents of Rehoboth are outraged after a 64-year-old woman, Helena Wemmert, was killed and allegedly raped by a 29-year-old suspect who was out on bail for a previous murder. The suspect, who had a pending murder case, is linked to another murder last June. Deputy Commissioner Gesina Nell confirmed the suspect's court appearance for Wemmert's murder. Police spokesperson Kauna Skikwambi reported that Wemmert was found half-naked with her throat slit. The community expressed dissatisfaction with the justice system on social media. Rehoboth Mayor Amanda Groenewaldt condemned the murder, calling for stricter measures to protect women and criticizing the ease of granting bail for serious offenses.

At 68, Regina Hirschfeld became a first-time homeowner in Walvis Bay, Namibia, through the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN). After years of renting and financial struggles, Hirschfeld, a pensioner and grandmother of three, achieved her dream with the support of her son and the SDFN. The SDFN, which received government and private donations, has been instrumental in helping low-income earners become homeowners. The government is amending the housing policy to accommodate more low-income earners, with the housing demand in Walvis Bay at over 30,000 units. The town council is identifying land to address these needs.

In Omaruru, Namibia, close to 50 residents, part of the Omaruru Homeless People’s Association, grabbed land near Welwitschia Location after failed engagements with the municipality. The group claims ancestral rights to the land, while the municipality CEO Valentinus Sindongo suggests the act may be politically motivated. The town faces challenges in providing serviced land, with some residents waiting since 2010. The municipality is working on a strategic plan to address housing demand, including an agreement to produce 1,700 erven at Extension 12. Erongo governor Neville Andre called for transparency and warned against using land issues for political gain.

Children from Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe commemorated World Children’s Day in Walvis Bay, with a focus on renewing the promise for children's rights. The event, organized by Unicef, highlighted the importance of protecting children's rights, creating safe spaces, and ensuring access to education and basic needs. Presidents from the participating countries were expected to attend the official commemorations and contribute to a Heads of State Network aimed at addressing children's rights issues.

Farm 37, also known as Green Valley, was identified in 2016 as a solution to the housing shortage in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Despite the allocation of erven to 50 backyard squatters by the current council, only one family has moved to the new township. The family, including Hilma Lineekela, views the move as a positive change, despite the distance from the town. The deputy mayor, Saara Mutondoka, acknowledges the challenges of relocation but remains hopeful as more families prepare to move. Pombili Festus, representing backyard tenants, discusses funding challenges for servicing their land. The transition to Farm 37 is seen as a step towards addressing the housing backlog of 30,000 in Walvis Bay.

Namibian Defence Force members were encouraged by Vice President Nangolo Mbumba to exhibit exemplary conduct, representing the force and Namibia honorably. This message was conveyed during the graduation of the Professional Qualified Officers’ Course at Rooikop Military Base in Walvis Bay. President Hage Geingob emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline among soldiers. The course, a first for the NDF, spanned 29 weeks and included 91 professionals. Graduate flight officer Nicolette Mogotsi expressed gratitude for the training that enhanced their leadership skills.

Namib Woestyn, one of Namibia's oldest sports clubs, is undergoing a revival led by football agent Collin April. The club, known for its exciting football and legendary players, aims to return to mainstream football and become a leading club in Namibia. It seeks to provide opportunities for players of all demographics and inspire future stars. The club's history is celebrated, and the community is called upon to support its revival. Namib Woestyn also acquired Henties Bay football club, planning to rename it and continue the legacy.

Farm 37, also known as Green Valley, was identified as a solution to the housing shortage in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Despite the allocation of erven to 50 backyard squatters, only one family has moved to the new township. The erven, initially priced at N$80,000, were reduced to N$40,000 after residents requested a lower price to service the plots themselves. Hilma Lineekela, the first resident, expresses satisfaction with her new land ownership, despite the distance from Walvis Bay. Deputy mayor Saara Mutondoka acknowledges the challenges of relocation but remains optimistic. Pombili Festus, representing backyard tenants, discusses funding challenges for servicing their allocated portion. The council plans to move more residents to Farm 37, including victims of a recent shack fire.

A partnership between Erongo Marine Enterprises and Erongo Sea Products has come under fire from fishing right holders in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The right holders accuse the Oceana Group, which owns Erongo Marine, of cheating them out of profits and not adhering to the original agreement terms. Allegations include a lack of transparency, deviation from charter fee agreements, and the unauthorized sale of a vessel. An investigation is underway, and a win-win solution is being negotiated. Oceana Group maintains that their operations are legitimate and have been beneficial to all parties involved for over 20 years.

In a series of domestic violence incidents, a 34-year-old mother, Beverly Theresia /Nanus, was killed in Okombahe, while another woman survived a brutal attack in Swakopmund, and a third survived a panga attack in the Ohangwena region. The victims had previously withdrawn domestic violence cases against their attackers. Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba of the Erongo Police expressed concern over the withdrawal of cases and emphasized that such cases can only be withdrawn in court. Trifina Haimbodi, a victim of the panga attack, is now hospitalized and regrets not reporting the abuse earlier. Gender Equality Minister Doreen Sioka urged the community to report domestic violence and work together to combat it.

Petrus Jambekeni Shikonda, accused of murdering his girlfriend Justina Tulela Kaunapawa Imbili in Henties Bay on Family Day last year, died in the Katutura State Hospital after a second suicide attempt with battery acid. Shikonda had been in critical condition under police guard following his initial suicide attempt by setting his residence on fire. The Namibian Police, with acting spokesperson Anna Frans, are also seeking public assistance to trace a woman for concealment of birth or murder after a decapitated foetus was found in Tulinawa.

A 15-year-old pregnant girl has been arrested in Walvis Bay for the stabbing death of Ritjwee Reeboke Soreseb, who she believed had assaulted her boyfriend. The minor, who is in custody at the Tutaleni police station, allegedly acted in response to threats against her and her unborn child. Detective Chief Inspector John Mwatongwe has informed the gender ministry of the case, and the girl's parents and boyfriend have been located. The boyfriend is receiving treatment for the alleged attack, and the police are investigating the circumstances, including the possibility of charging the boyfriend with rape if he is found to be older than the minor.

Over 10,000 passengers are anticipated to arrive at Namibia's coast, providing an economic boost to the tourism and hospitality industry. Namport's executive Elias Mwenyo announced the arrival of the first passenger liner, Vasco da Gama-Nicko Cruises, and expects at least 10 more liners at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports from November 28 to December 30. The industry contributes to foreign currency influx, job creation, and offers international tourists the chance to explore Namibia. However, local tourism operators are concerned about immigration service delays and are proposing changes to streamline the process.

Namibia's Fisheries minister Derek Klazen has raised concerns over the extensive illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing along the country's coastline, which involves neighboring countries and results in an annual revenue loss of over N$1.5 billion. The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations reported that foreign trawlers, licensed in Angolan waters, are harvesting significant amounts of fish in Namibian waters, leading to overfishing and potential collapse of the fishery. The government and industry stakeholders are working together to combat these illegal activities and protect Namibia's marine resources.

Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes announced at the Gaob Festival in Okombahe, Erongo region, that the late Axali Doëseb was not the sole creator of Namibia's national anthem, 'Namibia, Land of the Brave'. A committee, including Doëseb who provided the melody, collectively crafted the anthem. The statement sparked controversy, echoing a similar claim by the late Hidipo Hamutenya in 2006. Doëseb, a celebrated artist and composer, passed away on October 27, 2023, and had been honored by the government with a diplomatic passport and a N$2 million grant for his contributions. Festival-goer Mercia Nanus criticized the timing of //Hoebes's announcement, calling for recognition of Doëseb's contributions.

Sylvia Makgone, Namibia's Fisheries deputy minister, has stated that the government is not desperate in auctioning the governmental objective quota previously managed by Fishcor, now involved in a bribery scandal. The government aims to auction 72,000 metric tons of horse mackerel, 11,000 metric tons of hake, and 392 metric tons of monk to both local and international bidders, with a portion reserved for local operators. The auction is intended to generate foreign currency to combat the effects of Covid-19, including the procurement of medical supplies. Information minister Peya Mushelenga clarified the types of fishing quotas and emphasized the need for a transparent process to ascertain the true value of the country's marine resources and ensure proceeds are used for government objectives, including public health and infrastructure improvements.

Namibian authorities, with the assistance of the Namibian Navy, have detained six Chinese fishing vessels on allegations of illegal fishing in Namibian waters. The vessels were intercepted during routine sea patrols and have been under surveillance. While no arrests have been made, the vessels are being inspected by ministry officials. The Chinese Embassy, through spokesperson Helen Lu, denied the allegations, stating that the vessels were innocently navigating and had records to prove their claims. The embassy cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to support the right to innocent passage. The executive director of the fisheries ministry, Moses Maurihungirire, has not yet commented on the situation. This incident follows previous cases where Spanish and Angolan trawlers were seized for similar reasons.

The article discusses the National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (Fishcor)'s assessment of the financial implications of a N$150 million fish factory purchase from Etale Properties in 2016. Fishcor reportedly overpaid by N$50 million and still owes about N$50 million on the deal. The property was demolished for the Seaflower Pelagic Processing (SPP) factory, a joint venture between the government (40%) and African Selection Fishing (60%). Fishcor is distancing itself from past agreements and is considering rebranding due to its involvement in a bribery scandal. Former ministers and Fishcor executives have been arrested in connection with the scandal. SPP's General Manager expressed willingness to renegotiate the deal with Fishcor's new board.

Namibia's Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula reported 183 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 159 active and 24 recovered. The country has tested 8,706 samples and has 868 people in quarantine. Globally, over 10 million cases have been declared, with Europe and the US being the hardest hit. The infection rate is rising, with a million new cases in six days. Walvis Bay mayor Wilfred Immanuel discussed the challenges of relocating residents to better living conditions to prevent virus spread. Erongo's health director Anna Jonas and specialist physician Dr. Ishmael Katjitae highlighted the need for more isolation facilities and the ongoing efforts to manage community transmission in the region.