
Bank Windhoek has launched a WhatsApp banking service to enhance digital access, allowing customers to conduct transactions and access services through the messaging platform. James Chapman, Bank Windhoek managing director, stated that this innovation builds on the bank's legacy, recalling their introduction of cellphone banking in Namibia in 2006. He emphasized that the new service aims to meet customers where they connect and communicate, aligning with the global trend of FinTechs and payment service providers. Linda Aipinge-Nakale, executive director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, noted the disappearing separation between banking and communication sectors. She highlighted that mobile technology is now central to how people communicate, consume information, and access services, including managing finances. This shift means banking is increasingly shaped by platforms, connectivity, data, and digital behavior, with customers expecting financial services within their everyday digital environments.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadActing prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has obtained a Prevention of Organised Crime Act property restraint order for assets valued at up to N$75.3 million belonging to fugitive lawyer Mar茅n de Klerk. The order, granted by acting judge James Devittie in the Windhoek High Court on July 10, also targets assets worth up to N$2.3 million from Moyo Estates. De Klerk, who left Namibia in January 2020 and is believed to be in South Africa, is a fugitive from justice in Namibia, with an extradition request sent to South Africa in May. He was questioned by the Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the Fishrot fraud, corruption, and racketeering case, which involves the alleged illegal allocation of Namibian fishing quotas. Imalwa states there are reasonable grounds to believe De Klerk, his company Celax Investments Number One, and other accused in the Fishrot case committed crimes including racketeering, fraud, corruption, and money laundering. These alleged activities involved a scheme to benefit from fishing quotas allocated by former minister of fisheries and marine resources Bernhard Esau. The scheme allegedly diverted N$81.88 million from fishing quota proceeds of the National Fishing Corporation of Namibia Fishcor to an account of De Klerk's former law firm, De Klerk, Horn and Coetzee Incorporated DHC. A forensic analysis by Deloitte indicated that 238,000 tonnes of horse mackerel quotas allocated to Fishcor were sold to the Icelandic fishing company group Samherji, which alleged

A doctor at Onandjokwe Hospital has been arrested in connection with a second rape investigation in five years. The Ministry of Health and Social Services stated it could not prevent the doctor from practicing after his previous acquittal, as allegations not resulting in a conviction do not warrant professional action. Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya emphasized that an unproven allegation cannot be treated as a conviction, and a professional license should not be revoked based on charges followed by an acquittal. The 31-year-old doctor, son of a prominent Namibian figure, was arrested over the weekend following allegations of raping a 26-year-old man at his room on the hospital grounds. This incident occurs three years after the Windhoek High Court overturned his conviction and acquitted him of a separate rape charge involving an 18-year-old patient at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, national police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, stating the alleged incident happened around 2:00 AM on Saturday. The complainant reported that the doctor invited him to Oniipa for the weekend, paid for his transport, and arranged for him to be dropped at the hospital gate. At the doctor's room, after consuming alcohol, the complainant alleged the doctor mixed vodka with something "lemony." The complainant noticed what appeared to be a pill dissolving in his drink, felt nauseous, and attempted to scream for help. He managed to overpower the suspect, b

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has initiated an administrative investigation into Dennis Noa, a 31-year-old medical intern at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, following his arrest for the alleged rape of a 26-year-old man at hospital accommodation. Health executive director Penda Ithindi stated that the ministry considers these allegations deeply concerning and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of health professionals. While the police investigation is ongoing, the ministry has activated its internal disciplinary processes and administrative investigation in line with the Public Service Act. The ministry condemned all forms of sexual violence, reaffirming its commitment to a safe environment for patients, staff, and the public, and urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed without interference. Noa appeared in Ondangwa Magistrate鈥檚 Court, and his case was postponed to July 27 for a formal bail application.