NCCS Pro Cycling needs funds for Telkom Challenge

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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NCCS Pro Cycling needs funds for Telkom Challenge NAMPA

NCCS Pro Cycling team needs N$50 000 to compete in the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 19 November. The 94.7-kilometre race is the world's second-largest timed cycle race after the Cape Argus Cycle Race. Jacob Kiyola, NCCS Pro Cycling's communications manager, said competing in the race would help their riders gain much-needed experience of international competitions.“This year our first international tour was in Swaziland where we finished third and with the experience gained there, we want to see how well we can compete with the best teams in South Africa at the 947 cycle challenge,” Kiyola told Nampa. He said the team was growing and with more help they would achieve their goal of being a top locally owned cycling team. Echoing Kiyola's sentiments was NCCS Pro Cycling co-owner and manager Ebben-Ezer Iita, who stated that their aim was to build a strong team that could represent the country at international competitions. He added that the riders prepared well for the 947 Cycle Challenge, but their dream of competing there was in jeopardy because of a lack of funds.“We want to fly the team to South Africa for the competition because driving will be too long and cost more. We also want our riders to arrive in South Africa early and be well rested for the race,” said Iita. He said this year they competed well at other cycling events and the riders were growing in confidence at every event. Their aim is to finish in the top 10.“We have a good team of six riders who we believe can do a good job to at least have three riders finishing in the top 10,” said Kiyola. Earlier this month, the NCCS Pro Cycling team finished third at the MTN Khemani Road Classic in Swaziland and Lotto Petrus, their top rider, won the Pick n Pay Cycle Challenge in Windhoek.NAMPA

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Shabba happy to be back for Bafana

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Shabba happy to be back for Bafana Bafana Bafana veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala was about to swim on Thursday when told his three years in the international wilderness were over.

The 33-year-old Kaizer Chiefs winger-cum-central midfielder was a surprise returnee for must-win 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Senegal in Polokwane on November 10 and in Dakar four days later.

While Bafana Bafana (The Boys) must collect maximum points from both matches to reach Russia, two points will suffice for 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists Senegal.

Burkina Faso and Cape Verde complete Group D. Tshabalala scored a spectacular opening goal during the first match of the 2010 World Cup, which hosts South Africa and Mexico drew in Soweto. But international football was probably far from his mind as he prepared for a post-training swim at Chiefs' training centre in a southern Johannesburg suburb.

“I was on my way to the pool for some regeneration work when an official said I was in the national squad,” Tshabalala told the South African media.

“This is a reward for the hard work that I have put in at Chiefs and for believing in my abilities.

“I am happy and honoured by the call-up and want to add value rather than join the squad just to make up the numbers.”

Turkey-based striker Tokelo Rantie continued an on-off relationship with his country by turning down an invitation to be part of the squad.

He was angry at being left out of the squad for a World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso this month, which South Africa won 3-1 in Soweto.





SUPERSPORT

Ohangwena education directorate grounds fleet

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Ohangwena education directorate grounds fleet The Ohangwena Region education directorate has decided to ground all its vehicles until further notice because of budget cuts.

In a circular dated 26 October, the regional director of education, Isak Hamatwi, said the decision was of immediate effect.

“It is regrettable to inform you that a decision has been taken to ground all government vehicles in this directorate due to the serious challenges of shortage of funds that resulted from the downward revision of 2017/2018 financial year budget,” the notice reads.

“As from the date of this letter, no vehicle shall be moved without the authorisation of the director.”

Only the vehicles transporting examination markers to Windhoek are exempted from the decision.

Hamatwi said the vehicles allocated to the Okongo and Epembe circuits, the Ohangwena library and the district art education officers must be returned to the regional office in Eenhana.

The pool of vehicles currently in the directorate's possession must be returned to the government garage by today. About four months ago the Omusati education directorate also grounded its fleet until further notice due to budget cuts.

KENYA KAMBOWE

WVTC staff up in arms

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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WVTC staff up in arms Workers at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre took to the streets on Friday to protest against the way the institution is run.

The workers complained that salaries were arbitrarily determined by the head of finance and administration.

“An employee joining WVTC today is paid the same salary as those that have been in the service for a long time. It is very frustrating and demoralising,” the workers stated in a petition handed over to the manager of the centre, Paulus Haukongo.

The workers gave management two weeks to meet their demands, failing which they threatened to take unspecified action.

The workers also claimed their salaries were often delayed and that there have been no increases for two years.

“Deductions from staff salaries such as insurance policies, social security, home loans, membership fees and personal bank loans are not paid over to the respective companies or third parties for a long time now,” spokesperson Mwenya Chileshe said in the petition.

He claimed that WVTC service providers were also not paid for a long time and that most of the accounts were closed.

“As a result there are no training and examination materials available for the trainees,” he maintained. The workers also accused the WVTC's board of not acting in the best interest of the institution.

“They do not promptly resolve issues affecting the centre. Instead of being part of the solutions they contribute to the centre's economic problems,” the workers alleged.

Haukongo assured the staff that he would forward the petition to the relevant authorities.

FRED GOEIEMAN

President hands over homes

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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President hands over homesFirst 300 houses finished at Walvis Bay Walvis Bay is in the lead with the Massive Urban Land Servicing Project, completing the first 300 of 760 affordable homes. President Hage Geingob on Friday handed over two of the first 300 homes built on plots serviced under the Massive Urban Land Servicing Project in Walvis Bay.

The houses were the first batch of 760 homes being built by 42 two contractors at Extensions 5, 6 and 7 in Kuisebmond (540) and at Extension 7 in Narraville (220).

John Tjituka and his family received the key to their two-bedroom house from President Geingob while Werner Nangolo and his family moved into a new three-bedroom house in Kuisebmond.

Geingob said the project was evidence of what could be achieved when people with a shared vision and commitment pulled in the same direction.

“It is indeed pleasing to note that while the servicing of the land was financed by the central government, the construction of the houses was financed by the private sector.

“This is an example of the win-win public-private partnership being advocated for by government and I hope to see these kinds of partnerships proliferating nationwide,” he said.

The president said he looked forward to seeing the same positive outcomes at the other two pilot projects in Oshakati and Windhoek.

“Although we are faced with the massive challenge of providing adequate and affordable serviced urban land, housing and improved sanitation, we must realise that these challenges are not insurmountable.

“We must hold hands and stay on course, knowing that although it may take some time and huge resources to address the needs of the people, through our common sense of purpose, we will continue to deliver, deliver and deliver.”

The president emphasised that tackling challenges such as poor sanitation and the backlog in the supply of serviced residential land as well as decent and affordable housing in urban and rural areas requires a concerted effort.

“This is why I endeavoured to rally Namibians, through the concept of Harambee, to join forces in order to confront and address national challenges. Our national resolve in this regard has been accentuated through our national development plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, where these three areas have been identified as priorities for development.

“It is also noteworthy that a single intervention or project such as the Massive Urban Land Servicing Project is able to address several of our developmental objectives.”

The president commended the municipality of Walvis Bay for avoiding the pitfalls of other housing initiatives, where houses stood empty and were vandalised.

OTIS FINCK

African Stars maintain winning streak

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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African Stars maintain winning streak NAMPA

Katutura-based Namibia Premier League (NPL) outfit African Stars returned to the top of the Premier League log on Friday night after their 1-0 win against Citizens at the Sam Nujoma stadium.

Before their clash, Stars won their two opening matches of the league last week against Orlando Pirates and Life Fighters while Citizens collected points against Tigers who did not pitch for their opening game of the league but then went on to lose against Tura Magic in their second game.

For Stars to return to the top of the log, which was occupied by Tura Magic who won their midweek game against Black Africa, they needed to beat Citizens.

During the game, Stars came out the stronger outfit, dominating play in the first half while their opponents struggled to find momentum throughout the first 45 minutes of the half.

With a dominant display in the first half, Stars were rewarded with their only goal of the match after brilliant play by Tjiuana Tjinotjiua who found Panduleni Nenkundi’s head with his cross for their opener.

The first half was 1-0. In the second half Citizens dominated the first opening 10 minutes but Stars were too strong for them as they continued with their dominance but their wasteful strikers found it hard to find the back of the net.

Stars are currently top of the log with nine points.

In other games played on Saturday Unam beat Civics 1-0 at Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Orlando Pirates and Rundu Chiefs played to a 1-1. Chief Santos defeated Blue Waters 1-0 at Oscar Norich Stadium.

Young Chiefs and Eleven Arrows drew 1-1 at Oshakati Independence Stadium

Tigers were too strong for Young African beating them 1-0 at Legare Stadium

Mighty Gunners beat Life Fighters 2-0 lost at Mokati Stadium.

Jamaican sprinter Livermore banned

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Jamaican sprinter Livermore banned Commonwealth Games 200m bronze medalist Jason Livermore has been given a two-year ban for doping, Jamaica's Independent Disciplinary Panel said on Friday.

The sanction is retroactive to February when Livermore was notified of 2016 positive tests for the banned drugs clomiphene and mestorolone.

Chairman Kent Gammon said that based on evidence presented at a hearing last month, the panel did not believe Livermore intended to take the substances to enhance his athletic performance but was negligent in applying for Therapeutic Use Exception.

Comiphene is a medication used to treat infertility in women. Mesterolone is a anabolic steroid used chiefly for athletic and muscle mass enhancement.

The 29-year-old sprinter had testified at the hearing he had declared two medications which contained the banned substances.

Livermore was also on the 2014 Commonwealth Games winning sprint relay team with Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nickel Ashmeade and Usain Bolt.

SUPERSPORT

Sports federations to start athlete database

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Sports federations to start athlete database The Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) and secretaries-general of sports federations have decided to start a database containing information on local athletes to help with the monitoring of their performance.

NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya told Nampa on Monday Namibia currently does not have a system that contains the history of local athletes.

“We have a lot of athletes in the country but we do not monitor their progress,” he said. The system will be accessible to all sports codes and will enable them to register and constantly update athletes' performances.

The decision was taken at a one-day workshop held in the capital on Saturday, where the SGs of 54 sports federations convened.

The first of its kind workshop was organised by the NSC for training purposes and for the SGs to share ideas on the marketing of local sports.

Mwiya said they want to empower the SGs with much-needed skills and allow them to network and learn from each other.

The NSC chief said they also looked at ways to engage the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service's sports directorate to start allocating money for preparation ahead of competitions.

He said currently, more focus is placed on participation fees for competitions and not a lot is spent on athletes' training.

“We want to spend more money on training going forward because we want our athletes to be at least on the same level as those they are competing against,” Mwiya said.

He added that the commission and SGs will form a forum that will help the federation in sharing ideas and marketing sport codes.

NAMPA

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DSN awards hard workers

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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DSN awards hard workersRecognition goes to deserving athletes Disability Sport Namibia (DSN) recognised 14 athletes, two guides and five coaches for their hard work throughout the 2017 season on Thursday. These athletes were rewarded with certificates for being the best in their categories which comprised athletics, wheelchair basketball, football, netball and swimming.

Deputy minister of sport, youth and national service Agnes Tjongarero said in a speech read on her behalf at the gala dinner that people with disabilities in developing countries face major barriers that limit their access to and participation in sports and physical activities.

Tjongarero said the Namibian government will do all it can to make some significant difference in the state of people with disabilities.

“We are proud to know that the investment that is made available to DSN in grants every year is yielding results as we have witnessed in recent achievements by Namibia at the world stage,” she said.

DSN president Gideon Nasilowski said athletes with disabilities had put the country on the world map and today the whole world knows Namibian athletes go to competitions ready to battle. Special Olympics Namibia (SON) athletes, coaches and administrators were not recognised this year after DSN recently terminated its membership because of various reasons, including mismanagement.

SON was earlier this year also stripped of its licence by its mother-body, Special Olympics International, due to alleged misappropriation of funds, maladministration and lack of financial supporting documents, among other issues.



The athletes who received certificates of recognition are:

Athletics - Ananias Shikongo Johannes Nambala, Eino Mushila, Olivia Iyambo, Kertu Kapweya, Lina Mweyakutala, Herold Shuman and Lahja Ishitile

Wheelchair basketball - Pedro Nghishiwete and Tuyimo David.

Swimming - Mateus Angula.

Football - Martha Kandume and Tuyeni Immanuel.

Netball - Penehafo Sheefeni.

Guides - Even Tjiviju and Sydney Kamuaruuma.

Coaches - Hendrina Matheus for netball and Moses Amutenya for football. Richard Gowaeb, Ivonne Perez Silva and Barbara Fernandez Veitia received awards for the contribution to athletics.

NAMPA

Govt wants maximum benefits from natural resources

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Govt wants maximum benefits from natural resourcesTax clauses to be reviewed Cabinet has order a study on natural resources, such as minerals and diamonds, wildlife and forestry. … so that we don’t say yes we have all these minerals, but yet we can hardly fight poverty. - Tjekero Tweya, ICT minister Cabinet directed that an in-depth study be carried out on natural resources in the country to establish whether the country is deriving maximum benefits.

The minister of information, communication and technology, Tjekero Tweya, said the study is part of the recommendations by the cabinet committee on trade and economic development which conducted a study in 2009 on the effective utilisation of the country’s natural resources.

He said currently the country does not benefit enough from the resources, hence the comprehensive study “so that we don’t say yes we have all these minerals, but yet we can hardly fight poverty. We want to do it systemic through this type of study”.

Tweya said Cabinet directed that the study be conducted on natural resources, such as minerals (including diamonds), wildlife and forestry. The National Planning Commission should source funding for the study.

The study will look at various ways on how the government is benefiting, be it from licenses or royalties.

Tweya further said Cabinet directed the ministry of finance to review clauses 18, 36 and 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1981 (Act No.24 of 1981) that provides for deductions and calculations of income derived from mining operations. This is to ensure balance sharing of the benefits accrued from the natural resources between the government and the investor. – Nampa

TACs for 2017/18 fishing season endorsed

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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TACs for 2017/18 fishing season endorsed Cabinet has endorsed that the total allowable catch (TAC) for hake be set at 154 000 metric tonnes for the 2017/18 fishing season, which runs from 1 November 2017 to 30 September 2018. The TAC for rock lobster was set at 230 metric tonnes for the 2017/18 season, which runs from 1 November 2017 to April 2018. Photo Nampa/Reuters

To whom it may concern

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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To whom it may concern I write this column in support of Namibian athletes young and old, those who were and those who will be.

There is a lot of criticism surrounding their ability as athletes. Their efforts are undermined by many. Some who have valid reasons to do so and others who have joined the bandwagon to complain and point fingers just for the sake of it.

This is very unfair to the athletes. Some who really train hard but have been failed by the system, a system hijacked by gomchas who only seem to care about the air-conditioning in their offices.

Thing is I don't know a lot of things, just like many others, but one thing I know and care about is Namibian athletes and making sure that their voices are heard and together with them I take offence when a once great athlete of this great nation ridicules athletes for not having the much-needed desire and passion to succeed.

You succeed because you work hard and smart. You succeed because you are offered the right support. Show me a government-funded facility in this great Namibia which offers the right equipment and manpower to help Namibian athletes and I will show you my right foot.

In the new world and the new Namibia we live in, passion does not pay bills; neither does it bring home medals. It merely aids in all of these.

So, I suppose if athletes don't have drive it's because the gomchas who only care to ridicule and speak down on athletes at press conferences have failed them.

Yes, there are several road races and marathons organised by private individuals, I applaud these great individuals. However, nowhere do I see any collaboration with the ministry of sport. Silence, yes.

I would be a bit confused if I didn't know if my career was going left or right. You find a lot of great athletes who leave the sports industry and seek 8-5 jobs because sport unfortunately is a hobby in Namibia.

I refer to every athlete not only track and field stars when I say that the system has failed you all. The people who we have put in power to fight and elevate athletes seemingly are still on their way to bring change. Perhaps vision 2030.

Zero sports scholarships unless acquired privately. Zero programmes to train athletes, accept for the failed Jamaican programme which brought us nothing but headaches. Do I need to say more?

Stop telling athletes to run fast and work hard. Training in the wind is 1990; let's keep up with the latest trends. Offer them equipment; provide them with trainers and mentors.

The fact that a Namibian athlete does not always have a reward to look forward to after competing at an international competition discourages them to perform. We know this. What are we doing about it?

An example, certain boxers returned from a certain Congo Brazzaville a few months back, upon their return they spoke of the discomfort they lived in during the duration of their tournament. They spoke of the terrible and strange food they were offered – some of these guys came back looking as if they have they were subjected to water diets. These are the people we want to bring home medals.

The point here is, take care of athletes, respect their profession, groom them, avail the right resources and stop honouring them with speeches at press conferences. And most importantly don't ridicule without offering solutions.



limba@namibiansun.com

Naval capabilities boosted

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Naval capabilities boostedTwo submarine chasers join Namibian navy The navy's two newest vessels, donated by China, were commissioned at Walvis Bay on Friday. The incorporation of two submarine chasers, the Brukkaros and Dâures, into the Namibian naval fleet will add tremendous value to the country's naval combat capacity.

It also augments the country's maritime patrol and surveillance ability, says President Hage Geingob.

“The navy must be responsive to the challenges of maritime responsibility,” said Geingob who officiated at Friday's commissioning ceremony.

“Its officers must at all times be ready to defend and protect Namibia's territorial waters and harbours, which are not only valuable assets to Namibia, but the SADC region as a whole, since they present a gateway into the region.

“This is indeed a proud day for the Namibia Defence Force, in particularly for the Namibian Navy, which transformed itself from the level of a wing into a fully-fledged navy in 2004 and marks its 13th anniversary this year,” he said.

The president emphasised that although the government was currently focusing on mitigating the negative effects of the economic headwinds faced by the country, it remained committed to ensuring that a modern, capable and adequately equipped defence force is put in place.

He challenged the defence minister, chief of defence and service commanders to deal with the economic challenges by developing financing models and innovative proposals for the funding of the military.

This would stand the country in good stead once the economy stabilised, he stated.

The president further said the defence force did not only have the responsibility of protecting Namibians from military threats but also had an integral role to play in terms of safeguarding Namibia's economic resources and assets.

“Our maritime economy is a major contributor to job creation and economic growth. Given our large coastline, the navy faces a huge challenge in ensuring that it protects the country against any and all maritime threats.

It is therefore of paramount importance that we continue to increase our naval capabilities.”

Geingob hailed China as a true friend of Namibia and said that the two ships were donated by China's People's Liberation Army in 2014. The vessels were refitted and were delivered in August this year.

“This process is a testament to the cordial and all-weather friendship that exists between the Republic of Namibia and the People's Republic of China, which is accentuated by the commitment of the Chinese Liberation Army to render support to the NDF in terms of training of military personnel and supplying of military equipment.”

The Chinese navy donated the two offshore patrol ships to the Namibian navy under ongoing cooperation agreements between the governments of the two countries. The Chinese government refurbished the hulls of the ships and also fitted modern weaponry on the decks.

Namibian sailors also received training on the ships in China before the ships arrived in Walvis Bay.

OTIS FINCK

Police probe horse cruelty case

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Police probe horse cruelty case A case of horse theft and animal cruelty is being investigated after two horses died of thirst in a kraal in a municipal camp at Keetmanshoop.

Municipal officers were called to investigate on Friday morning after one of the horses in the enclosure was seen lying on the ground.

The municipal camp is situated about 20 kilometres out of the town, next to the B1 road.

The municipal officers found a mare lying dead in the kraal. Her foal collapsed while they were there and died despite their attempts to save it.

The rescuers opened the gate and led about eight other horses to a nearby water trough.

“Imagine, they could smell the water while they got thirstier and thirstier, but could not access it,” a local resident said.

According to some who were at the scene, bags containing horse remains were also discovered on the property, as well as dozens of live horses.

Police were called to the scene and immediately began investigating. Witnesses say the kraal was locked and there was no food, water or shade for the horses.

“It was a horrific, horrific scene,” Namibian Sun was told.

The Windhoek Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) assisted the local authorities with the legalities of entering the property to allow them to help the animals.

It was not clear on Friday who had locked up the horses in the kraal and how long they had been there. These are all questions the local police and animal welfare authorities have focused on since Friday.

On Sunday, the Keetmanshoop police confirmed that nine of the horses found in the kraal were stolen. They were reunited with their owner on Saturday afternoon.

The two horses that died were also stolen, the police suspect.

A case of stock theft is being investigated by the police. In addition, the Keetmanshoop branch of the SPCA confirmed that a charge of animal cruelty will be laid today.

The camp is leased from the municipality by one of its employees, Nimrod Zwartz.

Zwartz yesterday confirmed that he is the legal tenant of the property. He said he did not know how the horses came to be on the property but speculated they might have been “strays” that had wandered onto the property from nearby communal land.

Zwartz added that he had sub-let the property to a local farming family.

He told Namibian Sun that they had denied any knowledge of the horses.

“They say it has been weeks since they last operated there,” Zwartz said.

The family, whose name is known to Namibian Sun, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Western Bypass not a quick fix

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Western Bypass not a quick fixSpeed limit has limited effect The high number of accidents on Windhoek's Western Bypass can only be resolved by implementing a number of engineering and other plans, which the authorities are working on. The Roads Authority has conceded that reducing the speed limit on Windhoek's notorious Western Bypass has not deterred speeding drivers, but says more plans are in the pipeline to improve safety on the road.

“The speed limit reduction has not had any impact on speeding on the bypass yet. Unfortunately there are still motorists who do not stick to the speed limit on that section of the road,” RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon told Namibian Sun.

She said the new speed limit was only the first of several strategies to improve safety on that road.

“The speed limit reduction was not intended to alone create the desired impact. Various interventions combining road safety aspects of engineering and law enforcement were identified for implementation.

“Most of the engineering aspects are yet to be put in place, and all interventions need to be concurrently applied for them to have the desired effect.”

In August, the speed limit on the Western Bypass was reduced from 120 kilometres per hour to 80km/h.

An informal online poll by Namibian Sun showed that many people believe this move was well intended but has had little impact, and in fact has increased bullying of those trying to stick to the new speed limit.

A few did praise the initiative and said it was a good start.

The public provided a long list of suggestions that could help, including the erection of fences and other barriers to reduce unsafe pedestrian crossings and illegal U-turns.



Working on it

Fillemon said the RA was aware that the Western Bypass remained a great concern to motorists and pedestrians alike.

In the short and long term, the RA and partners have identified numerous interventions that will focus on engineering, law enforcement and education.

The engineering solutions include converting some intersections into four-way stops or installing traffic lights. The RA also plans to close off illegal access roads.

No timeframe for the various plans was available yet, Fillemon said.



“The RA will announce, in due course, when the engineering interventions will be implemented. The budget and timeframes will be announced at the same occasion.”



She said long-term plans include erecting perimeter fencing to prevent pedestrians from crossing the highway, building pedestrian bridges for safe crossings and erecting barriers between the lanes to prevent illegal U-turns.



The Ministry of Works and Transport did not respond to questions sent to them last Monday.



In September, works minister Alpheus !Naruseb announced that speed bumps would be installed on the bypass soon.



A number of intersections would be redesigned to accommodate traffic flow, he said. N$400 000 was budgeted for installing traffic lights at crucial intersections.



In the long term, the minister said the Western Bypass should be upgraded to a functional freeway.







Public speaks up







The informal Namibian Sun poll also revealed that many feel the authorities should come down harder on illegal behaviour on the bypass.



“Only a few people adhere to the new speed limits and even get upset about those of us that do adhere to it. The issue here is about enforcement. Without enforcement you can make the speed 20km/h and nothing will change,” one respondent said.



Many others blamed the attitudes of drivers and pedestrians as the main contributors to the high number of accidents.



“No law or speed bump will prevent accidents. We need an attitude change, for drivers and pedestrians,” one reader posted.



Another suggested fencing off the road and providing improved and safer pedestrian crossings.



“The problem was never the speed limit but the fact that pedestrians were allowed to cross a highway at will. The solution is to have pedestrian crossings because if a car hits you at 80km/h you will still die.”



Others praised the initiative and said there has been improvement.



“I drive on the Western Bypass two to four times daily. At first I questioned the intervention, but I have been proved wrong, as the speeding on that road has decreased drastically. There are still individuals disobeying the limit but given more time, more improvements are to be expected,” another said.



*additional reporting Nampa



JANA-MARI SMITH

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Mother allegedly kills son, cuts off penis

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Mother allegedly kills son, cuts off penis In a callous act that left the Ondangwa community in a state of shock, a woman is accused of murdering as well as removing the private parts of her 10-year-old son.

The shocking incident, believed to be a ritual killing, happened last week Thursday. The 31-year-old woman has been arrested and is due to appear in the local court today.

According to the police, the body of Erickson Malulu was found with his penis and testicles removed as well as his throat slit near the new military base.

Namibian Sun at the weekend visited Epya location in Ondangwa where the suspect, who worked as a security guard, and the victim lived for over a year.

Information about the murder remains sketchy as the police report only indicates that the body parts were wrapped in a plastic bag and found in her handbag.

However, Namibian Sun was informed that the suspect was arrested after members of a certain church where she took the body parts, informed the police about the matter.

The word in the community is that the suspect took the body parts to the said church but did not find the intended recipient there.

She was then arrested and was asked to direct the police to the crime scene. According to the suspect's neighbour, she last saw the victim on Wednesday afternoon after he came from school and went to go play before his mother came and looked for him.

The neighbour remembers the victim as a well-behaved, responsible child, as he used to look after his three siblings whenever his mother was at work.

“I remember Erickson as a well-raised boy who took care of his siblings. He would cook for them whenever their mother was not around and he respected elders,” the neighbour said.

Namibian Sun also learned that last week Sunday the suspect carried all her belongings out of the house and sold them. She reportedly claimed the goods were possessed by demons.

The neighbours called the police, who only observed the situation and left, according to witnesses. The neighbours blamed the police for not taking the woman away for mental observation.

“That Thursday morning she passed by my house and greeted me because she is a person who will not pass by and not greet you. I don't know her that well but I know she was well mannered. Even the victim used to pass by my house when he goes to school and always greeted me,” one of the community members said.

A mass demonstration is planned today where irate community members will demand to see the 'pastor' who had allegedly requested the suspect to commit the evil deed.

Some say the pastor has fled already. The woman will appear before the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court today on a count of murder and a count of violation of human body.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Sports awards go to deserving athletes

October 29, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Sports awards go to deserving athletesPrestigious awards recognise top sports stars The 14th edition of the MTC/NSC Namibia Sports Awards ended on a high note on Friday evening at Windhoek Country Club. The highlight of the night was Julius 'Blue Machine' Indongo who took Sports Achiever of the Year, as well as Sportsman of the Year.

The sports star, who had done tremendously well during the year, said his hard work for the last 16 years had paid off and he owed everything to God.

Also on the night MTC launched the Sports Legends programme, aimed at celebrating Namibian talent, legendary sporting and historic performances. Seventeen former and current Namibian sport personalities were honoured with blazers as a token of appreciation.

MTC executive Tim Ekandjo called on Namibians to avoid talking negatively about Namibian sport personalities.

“We want to celebrate historical performances which made us proud, performances that united us and those that made us reminisce about the good old days we will always remember,” he said.

He added that the aim was also to create a hall of fame of appreciation, rather than shaming sporting heroes.

Ekandjo said this was the beginning of appreciating Namibians who have put the country on the world map through sports.

He acknowledged that it was impossible to bring all the legends in one night but they were looking forward to honouring more in the near future.

“The MTC Sports Legends initiative was a special one and certainly demonstrating MTC's overall commitment to celebrating and recognising excellent, extraordinary and memorable performances that made the country and its people proud to be Namibian,” he added.

He further said that they are not only MTC's legends but Namibian legends that belong to all of us.

“So we encourage others to come on board and show appreciation whether it is a street name or whatever.

“We are all aware that there are so many more pre-independence era sporting heroes, and we hope that this initiative will provoke the sport commission to establish a hall of fame for sport in Namibia,” Ekandjo said.

As part of the accolade bestowed on them, the sport personalities will all receive N$10 000 and free airtime for an undisclosed period while also getting the honour of attending any MTC-sponsored event for free.

The 17 Namibians who were honoured are; Harry Simon, (Boxing Frank Fredericks, Luketz Swartbooi, (Athletics, Eliphas Shivute, (Football), Congo Hindjou, (Football), Trevor Dodds (Golf), (Marathon/Road Running), Ricardo Mannetti, (Football), Ronnie Kanalelo, (Football), , Razundara Tjikuzu, (Football), Collin Benjamin, (Football), Paulus Moses, (Boxing), Johanna Benson, (Athletics: Paralympics), Paulus Ambunda, (Boxing)

Monica Dahl, (Swimming), Jacques Burger, (Rugby), Julius Indongo, (Boxing) and Nestor Tobias (Boxing).



Below are the other winners:

Sportswoman of the Year: Helalia Johannes.



Sportsman of the Year with Disability: Johannes Nambala



Sportswoman of the Year with Disability: Lahja Ishitile



Coach of the Year: Nestor Tobias



Junior Sportsman of the Year: Delano Muller



Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Charlize van Zyl



Junior Sportsman of the Year with Disability: Dian Jansen



Junior Sportswoman of the Year with Disability: Olivia Iyambo



Sports Team of the Year: U/20 national rugby team



Umpire/ Referee of the Year: Jackson Pavaza



Development Programme of the Year: Coaches/Umpire Development Programme by Netball Namibia, and Sports



Journalist of the Year: Otniel Hembapu.





LIMBA MUPETAMI

Boxer charged in deadly Jag crash

October 30, 2017, 4:39 am

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Boxer charged in deadly Jag crash Well-known local boxer, Wilbeforce Shihepo, has been denied bail in the the Okahandja Magistrate's Court this morning after appearing on charges of culpable homicide, fleeing a crime scene and failing to report the matter to the police. Shihepo was involved in a grisly crash on Saturday evening on the route between Windhoek and Okahandja. He, however, fled from scene. This morning, he surrendered himself to the Okahandja police. In the crash on Saturday night about 30km from Okahandja, his Jaguar collided with a Toyota resulting in the death of the driver (54) of the Toyota and a toddler, 6. Their bodies had to be extracted from the wreckage using the Jaws of Life.

STAFF REPORTER

Mother accused of killing son appears

October 30, 2017, 7:38 am

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Mother accused of killing son appears The 31-year-old woman who is accused of killing her own son last week Thursday today appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court. Kristofina Ngesheya has been charged with murder and for violating a human body and defeating the course of justice after she allegedly killed her first born Erickson Malulu by slitting his throat and removing his penis and testicles in what is believed to be a ritual killing. She was remanded in custody with the case postponed to 14 December. Read full story in tomorrow’s Namibian Sun.

Stars, Unam cross paths and Civics meet Citizens

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Stars, Unam cross paths and Civics meet Citizens The 2017/18 MTC Namibia Premier League will yet again offer exhilarating matches at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight.

In the first match of the night Civics will meet Citizens.

Civics and Citizens are in the botton half of the log while African Stars and the Clever Boys of Unam are in the top half of the log. This will be the match to watch as the teams are battling it out to determine who will lead the log in the weeks to come.

African Stars started their campaign like a house on fire, winning all their games. Unam are also enjoying a great run in the league. Civics coach Brian Isaacs, who is leading a young team, says they are a work in progress and are in need of new players.

Ronnie Kanalelo, Unam's coach, says they are positive about the game and training has been going well.

“We respect African Stars but when we get on the field we will compete for a win,” he says.

The first game will kick off at 18:00 and the second match at 20:00 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.



Weekend results:

Friday

African Stars 1-0 Citizens

Saturday

Young African 0-1 Tigers

Mighty Gunners 2-0

Civics 1-2

Orlando Pirates 3-1Rundu Chiefs

Young Chiefs 1-1 Eleven Arrows

Sunday

Orlando Pirates 1-2 Mighty Gunners

Young Chiefs 1-1 Blue Waters

Chief Santos 2-2 Eleven Arrows

Life Fighters 2-0 Rundu Chiefs

Young African 0-1 Tura Magic

LIMBA MUPETAMI