
The state has argued that Petrus Shikwaya, an accused in the murder case of Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda, poses a significant flight risk if released on bail. Public prosecutor Yeukai Kangira stated in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court that Shikwaya and other co-accused were found with an escape plan while in police custody at Ondangwa. Kangira made these claims during Shikwaya's bail application hearing. Shikwaya, along with medical doctor Fillemon Nakanduungile, Petrus Uusiku, and Nghilifavali Johannes, was transferred to Grootfontein Correctional Facility in January. Shikwaya denied the escape plan allegation, but Kangira maintained that the state possesses evidence to support its claims and argued against granting bail, asserting that Shikwaya would abscond and not stand trial. Kangira also informed the court that Shikwaya has not surrendered his passport, contrary to his earlier claims. The state contends that these factors indicate a high likelihood of the accused evading trial if released. The bail hearing has been postponed to June 9. Shiweda, 31, was shot and attacked with a corrosive substance on October 17 last year and died in February after nearly four months of hospital treatment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadNamibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested the Central Procurement Board of Namibia to cancel a N$194 million tender for new central medical stores in Windhoek. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference in the procurement process and concerns from the Switzerland-based Global Fund regarding the redirection of its N$194 million donation, which was originally intended for the facility. Executive director of health and social services Penda Ithindi stated in a letter dated April 16 that an executive directive led to the cancellation, with the ministry's procurement committee agreeing that the project's expected outcome did not justify its cost. The tender, which closed on January 13, involved the construction of a new medical stores facility and refurbishment of an existing warehouse in the Khomas region. The ministry plans to submit a new request to the board once revised project specifications and a new location are finalized. The Global Fund had previously approved Namibia's plan for new medical stores, to be built on health ministry premises between the Katutura and Central hospitals. Before the cancellation, the ministry considered using the allocation to repurpose the Ramatex Rhino Garments building as a medical store. Procurement board spokesperson Johanna Kambala confirmed receipt of the cancellation request, noting it is awaiting board consideration and adjudication.

Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu raised concerns in the National Assembly regarding the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy's capacity to safeguard Namibia's economic interests. Addressing industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse, Kandorozu alleged that the ministry has become a "breeding ground for corruption," citing questionable diamond valuation contracts, improperly awarded lithium exclusive prospecting licences EPLs, and biased processing of petroleum exploration licences PELs. He called for the removal of corrupt elements and a review of existing laws to close loopholes. Kandorozu also mentioned "explosive revelations" in a dispute involving the ministry and Red Soil Energy and Mineral Exploration, which he claims expose deep-seated corruption within the Directorate of Petroleum Affairs, spanning multiple administrations. He warned that this system has previously undermined political appointees and could continue to do so. Kandorozu also reflected on president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s efforts to move the petroleum affairs directorate to the Presidency, suggesting recent revelations might justify this approach despite his reservations about shifting powers away from parliamentary oversight.
Must ReadThe Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has confirmed that the USS George HW Bush CVN-77, a United States nuclear-powered super aircraft carrier, is currently transiting offshore of Namibia’s exclusive economic zone. Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu stated that the vessel has not entered Namibia’s territorial waters and is operating under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Unclos, which guarantees freedom of navigation. Shilumbu also clarified that a vessel of this nature does not require refuelling at Walvis Bay due to its operational capabilities. The Namibian Ports Authority is aware of the vessel and awaits guidance from the Ministry of Works and Transport. The carrier, deployed in late March, is sailing off Namibia as part of a route around Africa, reportedly to avoid the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, areas that have seen increased activity, including drone and missile attacks on US and commercial shipping.
Must ReadA United Nations resolution, adopted on March 25 with 123 votes in favor, recognizes the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. This resolution has strengthened calls in Namibia for justice regarding colonial-era genocide and reparations. Local experts, such as Kletus Likuwa, a senior researcher at the University of Namibia, highlight the significance of this vote for Namibia and Angola, particularly for communities along their border affected by slave trading between 1890 and 1920. Likuwa emphasizes that the UN General Assembly's decision signals a global desire for restorative justice for injustices against African countries, noting that the slave trade contributed to Africa's underdevelopment. He believes the vote should pressure countries like Germany to reconsider their response to demands from Namibians affected by the 1904 to 1908 genocide. Joshua Kaumbi, a legal adviser at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, states that the genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama was rooted in ideas established through the slave trade, which dehumanized Africans and laid the groundwork for enslavement, dispossession, and genocide. Although UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, Kaumbi hopes this vote will strengthen calls for apology, restitution, property return, and guarantees of non-repetition, potentially leading to a Namibian-sponsored resolution on genocide in the General Assembly.