
World champion Tadej Pogacar secured a dominant victory on the opening stage of the Tour of Switzerland, signaling strong form ahead of the Tour de France. Pogacar broke away from the peloton with 71.5km remaining in the 144km stage, which started and finished in Sondrio, Italy. He finished 2 minutes and 14 seconds ahead of Richard Carapaz, with Andrea Bagioli in third place at 2 minutes and 29 seconds. Other overall contenders lost more than four minutes. Pogacar, who had not raced since early May, stated that the early breakaway was not planned but proved effective. This marks his tenth victory in twelve days of racing this year, reinforcing his status as a top contender for the Grande Boucle.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadJacinta Ngobese-Zuma, founder of the March and March organization in South Africa, stated that Namibians are not targets of an anti-immigrant movement, describing them as "law-abiding citizens." She clarified that her organization has no issues with Namibians, but identifies Nigerians as problematic due to alleged undocumented entry, building hijacking, drug sales, and prostitution. Ngobese-Zuma denied reports of her organization "hunting" foreigners, asserting their marches are peaceful and aimed at the government. These comments follow the hijacking of a Namibian bus from Mbishi Transport in Johannesburg, which is still missing. Ufemia Mbishi, owner of Mbishi Transport, confirmed the bus hijacking, stating drivers were held at gunpoint for seven hours but released unharmed, and passengers are returning to Namibia. He noted limited assistance from South African Police Service and the Namibian high commission. Secilia Hiskia, acting executive director of international relations and trade, said the ministry is aware of the incident and is following developments through the Namibian high commission in Pretoria. Hiskia stated there is no credible evidence suggesting the hijacking was xenophobia-related, viewing it as consistent with criminality or local transport sector conflict. Duminga Ndala, Landless People鈥檚 Movement national youth leader, believes Namibians in South Africa remain safe due to their compliance with laws. Rodney Cloete, Independent Patriots for Change shadow m
Must ReadThe state has alleged that murder accused Abner Mateus communicated with a fugitive suspect before and after the attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda, and his nephew, Petrus Shikwaya, allegedly transferred money to the same suspect minutes after the attack. Shiweda was shot and doused with corrosive acid at Ondangwa on 17 October last year and died in February. These allegations emerged during Shikwaya鈥檚 bail hearing in the Ondangwa Magistrate鈥檚 Court, where Mateus testified. Public prosecutor Yeukai Kangira stated that Mateus spoke twice to the wanted suspect on the morning of the attack, at 06h21 and shortly after 07h23, around the time Shiweda was attacked. Kangira further alleged that Shikwaya transferred N$4,950 to the suspect just 10 minutes after the attack, following communications between Mateus and the suspect. Mateus denied remembering the transaction or to whom the money was sent, dismissing the claims as speculation. He also denied discussing criminal activities with co-accused Petrus Uusiku, stating their conversation on 17 October was about the Yango transport business. Mateus confirmed using a cellphone number registered in Shikwaya鈥檚 name while in custody, and another number registered in someone else's name. Kangira accused Mateus of trying to distance Shikwaya from his activities and deliberately avoiding his own number to conceal criminal activities, including money laundering and Shiweda's killing. Mateus rejected these allegations, insisting his number w

The governors of the Ohangwena and Kunene regions have voiced concerns over persistent medicine shortages at public health facilities. Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua stated that hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas, and across the Kunene region have been experiencing low medication stock for approximately three months. This has led to patients waiting in long queues only to find their required medication unavailable. Muharukua highlighted particular concern for shortages of medication for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, ARVs, and tuberculosis. He noted that some patients are advised to purchase medication from private pharmacies if they can afford it, and regional health authorities are using budgets to procure critical medicines from private pharmacies, which is costly. Muharukua appealed for patience from both patients and health workers, acknowledging the government recognizes the problem and urging the public not to direct frustrations at healthcare workers. Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa personally observed the lack of medication during a visit to Engela District Hospital, expressing sadness at sending people home without necessary treatment. She mentioned community reports of adverse effects due to changes in high blood pressure medication and plans to investigate the situation further in Ohangwena. In contrast, Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses reported no severe medicine shortages in her region, noting recent expansions in health services. Oshana