Namibian Sun

Father rapes daughter, still on the run A 20-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her father at the weekend, while she was visiting her grandmother in Khorixas.

According to the police the woman arrived from Windhoek on Friday to visit her grandmother. The incident took place on Saturday at around 01:00 at a house in the Khorixas location, while the woman was sleeping alone in one of the bedrooms.

Her father allegedly entered the room, started touching her and then forcefully removed her underwear and raped her. The woman informed her grandmother and the case was reported to the police. Her father fled and a search is underway.

In a separate incident on Sunday a 19-year-old woman was raped after a 29-year-old man broke into her house in Usakos.

According to the police, the woman was out drinking with her friends at a local shebeen in the Spitzkoppe area and a friend took her home to rest and locked the house.

The suspect broke a window opposite where the woman was sleeping, entered the house and raped her. When the owner of the house came home, he found the man raping the woman and a fight broke out. The neighbours alerted the police. Both the suspect and the victim were admitted to the Usakos state hospital. The suspect has been arrested.

In another incident a 19-year-old woman was raped at Old Smithfield farm in the Tsisabis area on Saturday night.

It is alleged the suspect took the woman, who was under the influence of alcohol, to his room where he raped her.

Both the victim and the suspect work at the farm, where they also reside. The suspect, whose age was not provided by the police, has been arrested.

Meanwhile, a security guard on shot a 17-year-old youth on Saturday at Single Quarters.

It is claimed that the youth is notorious for his violent behaviour and is a member of the Boko Haram gang.

The incident occurred on Saturday at about 20:30 at Okalindi Number 1.

The boy allegedly intended to rob someone who won money after playing a gambling machine and the guards were called for help.

The teen turned violent and attacked them. One of the guards fired two warning shots in the air, but the boy became more aggressive and moved towards him with a knife.

The guard then shot him in the right leg. The boy was taken to the Katutura hospital and is in a stable condition. The guard was not arrested, but his firearm was confiscated.

In another incident, five men overpowered and held a female security guard at gunpoint at Khomas High School on Saturday.

The suspects broke into five offices and stole valuable property, including smartphones that were confiscated from learners, a flat screen TV, five printers, computers, laptops and N$7 600 in cash.

Substantial damage was also caused in the process. An estimate of the losses are still to be determined. No arrest or recovery has been made yet.

In Rundu at Kayengona village, a body was discovered floating on the river by members of the public on Saturday.

It is suspected that the unknown man was stabbed with a sharp object on the right side of the chest. He died instantly and his body was then thrown into the Kavango River.

Also on Friday, an Angolan national was arrested after he failed to declare money at customs and exercise, when he entered Namibia. He crossed the Oshikango border on Friday and was found in possession of N$374 000, £710, five euro and US$10.

ELLANIE SMIT

Local business confidence slightly down

The IJG Business Climate Monitor, released this morning, declined slightly in May 2018, falling from 51.94 to 51.53 points.
Of the 31 indicators monitored, 13 showed an improvement, while the remaining 18 indicators contracted.
Read the full story tomorrow in Market Watch.

Coleman signs for Valencia

Namibian woman footballer and former Real Zaragoza star Zenatha Coleman has penned a deal with Spanish giants Valencia for the next two seasons.
"I came to Valencia because I'm sure we can do great things, the whole club has convinced me,” Coleman told Spanish media.

Coleman began her career playing for the under-11 boy’s school team at her primary school in Keetmanshoop before she was scouted by the JS Academy, which was founded and run by Jacqui Shipanga. Over the years, she grew in stature both at JS Academy and in the national team with her powerful performances. This led her to signing for European clubs and becoming the first Namibian to play in the Women’s Champions League.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Rewards policy laudedMwiya happy with progress The approval of the rewards policy has been lauded as another step towards the realisation that sport is no longer just a pastime or hobby.

The Ndeulipula Hamutumwa Sports Trust has welcomed cabinet's approval of the national sport rewards policy.

The policy to reward Namibians who shine at international competitions was approved by government following lengthy discussions between the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), sports federations and the government.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the trust wrote: “It is with great pleasure that we extend our congratulations to the government of the Republic of Namibia and the Namibia Sports Commission on the approval of a national sports rewards policy starting July 2018.

“This news is very encouraging to amateur sports people around Namibia. Well done Namibia.”

The trust emphasises the importance of sport, saying it has always given Namibian athletes and participants the feeling of enjoyment and self-fulfilment, especially when they succeed.

The trust felt that for a long time, athletes have been unsure about whether they would receive some form of reward or recognition for their contributions and sacrifices in successfully representing the Land of the Brave.

With the introduction of this rewards policy, the trust believes that athletes will no longer have to wonder if their hard work and dedication will be recognised or not.

“Our very talented athletes have been given the motivation to enhance their performances and strengthen their commitment to sport.

“They are encouraged to strive for excellence in sport and to achieve something for themselves.”

The trust added that sport is no longer just a pastime or hobby, but an industry that can generate an income for a country.

“Sport is used to measure the success and progress of a country, and as an indicator of the identity, image and integrity of a nation.

“This policy gives Namibia an advantage, by incentivising more athletes to become involved in sport across various sport codes, thus increasing the country's sporting repertoire.”

The trust hopes that the policy will encourage more people to train as coaches and bring about the improvement of sporting infrastructure across the country.

Meanwhile, NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya assured the public that the policy will benefit all federations equally.

He expressed gratitude towards all the individuals who made the approval of the policy possible.

“The only people that are not going to benefit from this are professional boxers. Teams like Brave Warriors and national rugby teams will indeed benefit from this,” Mwiya said.

He added the draft document of the policy is currently in the hands of the sports ministry, which plans to publish a booklet.

It was announced that individual athletes who win gold medals at Olympic and Paralympic games will receive N$200 000.

Silver medallists will receive N$150 000, while bronze medallists take home N$100 000.

The coaches of these athletes will get N$80 000 (gold), N$60 000 (silver) and N$40 000 (bronze).

Team sports will also be awarded accordingly.

Those that win gold medals will receive N$800 000, with the coaches receiving N$400 000.

Silver medallists will receive N$500 000, while the coaches get N$200 000.

Bronze medallists will get N$350 000, with the coaches getting N$100 000.

For preparation, teams will get as much as N$120 000, while the coaches will receive N$24 000 a month.

Individuals will get N$60 000 for preparation, with coaches receiving N$12 000 a month.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Fredericks welcomes statue

Former Namibian sprinter Frank Fredericks has expressed happiness over the news that a statue will soon be erected in his honour.

The legendary sprinter will be honoured with a statue at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, minister of information Stanley Simataa announced last Thursday.

Fredericks is the only Namibian to have won medals for his country at the Olympic Games since independence. He won silver medals in the 100m and 200m races at both the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.

“It is indeed an honour for me to have received the good news of cabinet's kind gesture of erecting a statue of me at the Independence Stadium, as highlighted in the media last week.

“I'm truly humbled and honoured to receive recognition of this nature. I would therefore like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the government of Namibia,” he said.

Fredericks dedicated the statue to all those who made the independence of Namibia possible.

“Being the only Namibian to have received medals at the Olympic Games thus far is an extraordinary feat, which could not have been accomplished without the commitment, dedication and loyal support of my mother, family members, training partners, coaches, sponsors and friends.

“I value and appreciate your support, both during and after my career as an active athlete. May this accolade inspire more young athletes to continue to work hard to achieve their dreams.

“Nothing is impossible, should you believe and work hard to achieve your dreams,” Fredericks added.

The decision to erect the statue was taken at a cabinet meeting held last Wednesday.

The statue will be erected in terms of the Public Procurement Act, which governs the government procurement of goods and services.

“Having promulgated this Act we have to first ensure that there are people who can offer these services locally and if they are not available, we will then source it elsewhere.

“The specifications of setting up this statue will have to be met so that the legendary person that we are honouring will not fall down with the slightest wind. That is why we will look at those who can offer value for money when erecting this statue,” Simaata said.

It is unclear when work on the statue will commence.

-Additional info by Nampa

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Marvellous master ModricEngland, Croatia lock horns in semis England and Croatia will battle it out tonight at 20:00 for a berth in the 2018 Fifa World Cup final.

Every time a Croatian player appears before the media at the 2018 Russia World Cup, he knows a question about Luka Modric is coming, and every time the answer reflects the admiration there is in the squad for their captain.

The 32-year-old has been outstanding in his team's run to a semi-final against England in Moscow tonight, picking up the man of the match awards in three of Croatia's five matches.

Modric has scored twice in Russia, including a fabulous goal in the 3-0 win over Argentina in the group stage, and twice netted in nail-biting penalty shootouts against Denmark and Russia. The coolness displayed by the Real Madrid playmaker in the last-16 tie against the Danes was particularly impressive; having missed a penalty late in extra time, he still stepped up to score another spot-kick only a few minutes later.

After once again starring as Real won a fourth Champions League crown in five seasons by beating Liverpool in Kiev in May, Modric will be almost assured of winning the Ballon d'Or if he can lead Croatia all the way to improbable World Cup glory.

“I've known Luka for a number of years, not only with the national team. We played at club level as well,” says striker Mario Mandzukic, who played with Modric at Dinamo Zagreb a decade ago before the latter joined Tottenham Hotspur.

“He deserves all the accolades he gets from the media and public. He has worked very hard to get to this point.

“He is our captain, our leader, we follow him and if the team manages a great result and he gets the Ballon d'Or, he will deserve it and I want it for him.”

For a country like Croatia, with a population of little over four million, to be in the semifinals of the World Cup is a remarkable achievement.

There is little prospect that they would have come this far without Modric, who as a boy was forced to flee his village home after his grandfather was killed by Serb forces in the Croatian independence war.

But this is a player whose reputation took a battering at home before the tournament due to his implication in the multi-million euro corruption trial of former Dinamo Zagreb chief Zdravko Mamic.

Mamic was sentenced to six and a half years in prison last month, while Modric has been charged with giving false evidence in the case. The offence carries a penalty of up to five years in jail. Despite his off-field troubles, Modric been an admirable leader for his team on the field, allowing them to match the great side of 1998 that reached the last four in France.

Now they are looking to go one step further, but just getting this far is a source of great pride for Croatia.

Modric has been on the front line in painful past failures for the national team, missing a penalty in a shootout, as Croatia lost to Turkey in the quarterfinals of Euro 2008.

Two years ago they were knocked out of Euro 2016 after conceding a late goal in extra-time against Portugal.

“We took a difficult route. We were unlucky at previous tournaments but now we are collecting those debts this year,” said Modric after Saturday's win over Russia in Sochi.

The biggest question mark now surrounds the fitness of a team who have gone the full distance in their last two matches and had several players struggling with injuries against Russia.

But if Modric can rouse himself to control another match against England, they have every chance.

“Hopefully we will go a step further than in 1998. We have everything needed to do that; a great team, great staff and I hope we will make the extra step,” he said.

NAMPA/AFP

Kane inspired by class of '66

England captain Harry Kane is drawing inspiration from the country's 1966 World Cup heroes, as the striker looks to fire his team to a surprise final appearance in Moscow.

The Tottenham forward is the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, putting him level with Gary Lineker's 1986 haul, ahead of today's semifinal against Croatia.

Kane became just the third England player to hit a World Cup hat-trick in the 6-1 rout of Panama, joining Lineker and Geoff Hurst, the star of the 1966 final victory over West Germany.

Hurst believes Gareth Southgate's side can match their finest hour and go all the way in Russia, and Kane admits the support from such England greats is further incentive to succeed.

“To meet any heroes from '66 is incredible. It's so much inspiration. Obviously it's been a long time since England have done well in a major tournament,” Kane said after the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Sweden.

“I'm proud to make ex-players proud and I'm sure it's bringing back memories for them. We said we want to write our own history and hopefully we can go one step further and get to the final.”

England are through to the last four of the World Cup for the first time since 1990, when they lost to Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Turin.

“A lot of us weren't even born when that was happening,” said the 24-year-old Kane.

“We've just got to try and keep it going, we're one step closer to what is the biggest game as a professional.”

As World Cup fever mounts back home during a long summer heat wave, the country is hopeful of reaching a first final in more than half a century.

Almost 20 million people in Britain tuned in for the victory over Sweden, not accounting for the many more who watched in pubs and public viewing areas.

“We feel proud to make the fans proud because that's what we wanted to do when we set out,” Kane said.

“We wanted to play good football, we wanted to work hard, play with a passion and I thought we've done that. We're enjoying it.”

“No one wants to go home. Everyone wants to finish the job and we're excited to try and do that.”

For Kane, who has scored 20 or more Premier League goals four seasons running, it was not until after the 2014 World Cup that he established himself at the top level.

Following a series of loan moves, he quickly debunked any beliefs he was a one-season wonder, and scored just 79 seconds into his England debut against Lithuania in March 2015.

Kane is mindful of the influence he now wields as one of the game's top stars, but the status is one he appears to embrace.

“As a player I know I have a job, on and off the pitch, to inspire people,” he said.

“To inspire kids watching this tournament is amazing because I was one of those kids growing up who wanted to play for England.

“So to be here, to be part of it, I'm so proud.”

Kane and Dele Alli, two of five Tottenham players in the current squad, were part of England's doomed Euro 2016 campaign, but they can expect a far more welcoming reception regardless of how their Russian adventure ends.

“We're looking forward to finishing strong and whatever happens we can say we're proud of each other,” said Kane.

NAMPA/AFP

Keena omaako ihe ota longo nuudhigininiE na omukumo miilonga ye yesiku nonando ota lumbu nuulema Ndeyapo Haufiku, 42, omukalimo gwomomukunda Okaandje popepi nOngwediva moshitopolwa shaShana okwa valwa keena omaako ihe shoka inashi ya moshipala iilonga ye opo ya vule okusila oshisho oyana.

Haufiku, yina yaanona yatano okwa popi kutya iha itala ngele ye ota lumbu nuulema molwaashoka oshinima shoka iha vulu okuninga okulima owala epya.

“Ngame ohandi longo nuudhigunini na otandi tekula aanona yandje yatano ngame mwene, na ohandi ya ningile kehe shimwe. Aluhe sho taya galuka koskola otaya adha nde ya telekela nale, ohandi ya yogele iikutu nokuya yoga unene mboka aashona. Ohandi wapaleke woo egumbo,” Haufiku a popi.

Okwa tsikile kutya oshinima shimwe shika hashi mu uvitha nayi ongele aantu ye mu etela ohenda molwaashoka ke na omaako.

“Ngame kandi shi oshilema. Omagulu gandje ogo omaako gandje na otandi vulu okuninga iinima oyindji mbyoka aantu mboka ye na omaako taya vulu okuninga. Oshinima shoka ihandi vulu okuninga okulima epya owala, ihe ohandi vulu okutsa omahangu oshowo iilonga yilwe. Onda pandula Kalunga sho a pendje oonkondo opo kandi kale nda lala megumbo nda tegelela okupewa omakwatho kaantu.”

Haufiku okwa popi kutya okwa valwa omutiyali omukuluntu mwaamwayina yahetatu.

Okwa hiti oskola pEluwa Special School mOngwediva, moka a ndopa ondondo onti 10 momvula yo 1995.

Okwa kala nayina megumbo, sigo osho yina a hulitha momvula yo 2005.

Okwa popi kutya yina okwe mu longo okulonga iilonga oyindji yomegumbo oshowo okuhondja neshina lyokoonyala.

Okwa popi kutya sho a putuka okwa kala ha yambidhidha aamwayina.

Kansela gwoshikandjohogololo shaNgwediva, Andreas Utoni, okwa popi kutya ombelewa ye oyi na ontseyo kombinga yaHaufiku ihe ihayi mu mono olundji ta kongo omakwatho, ngaashi aantu yalwe mboka taya lumbu nomaulema.

“Haufiku oha longo nuudhiginini na ihe ya okukonga omakwatho gepangelo kehe ethimbo. Ngele we mu mono pombelewa ongele owala a pumbwa oombaapila dhe nenge dhaanona ye dhi shainwe. Oku li omutsi gwomukumo kuyakwawo yalwe mboka taya lumbu nomaulema naamboka kaye na omaulema ihe oye shi wete oshidhigu okwiilongela,” Utoni a popi.

Haufiku okwa popi kutya ota galikana opo oyana ya pite nawa mooskola, yo ya vule okukala nonakuyiwa yi li nawa.

Okwa popi kutya osheeli she osha mana ondondo onti 12 omvula ya piti ihe inashi mona iitsa ya gwana okuya kiiputudhilo yopombamda. Ngoka a landula osheeli okuli mondondo onti 10.

Okwa tsikile kutya aanona ye mboka ohaya mono omayambidhidho giiyemo yokomwedhi okuza kepangelo na okwa pandula keyambidhidho ndyoka.

Okwa pandua kutya nonando iimaliwa mbyoka kayi shi oyindji otayi kwathele aanona moompumbwe dhoskola. Okwa pandula woo aashinda she mboka haye mu pe omakwatho unene mokulonga epya lye.

ILENI NANDJATO

Aalandithi ayehe taya tameke okufuta iishoshela yepangelo

Ofuto yiishoshela yepangelo kaalandithi kashi shi oshinima oshipe pahapu dhakomufala gwoshikondo shomafutilo giishoshola yepangelo, Justus Mwafonge.

Ndyoka eyamukulo a gandja sha landula sho a ningilwa omapulo kombinga yonkundana yetulo miilonga iishoshela yepangelo,okuza kaalandithi. Uuministeli wemona owa holola kutya aalandithi yuupana, noondingosho otaya ka tameka okukala taya futu iishoshela yepangelo.

Mwafonge okwa popi kutya shoka kashi shi oshimina oshipe molwaashoka paveta yawo, omuntu ngoka ha mono iiyemo yi vule poN$50 000 komvula okwa pumbwa okufuta iishoshela.

Okwa popi kutya oongeshefa odha kala nale nokufuta iishoshela na oshiikolelela owala kutya ongeshefa oya shangithwa ngiini.

Mwafonge okwa popi kutya natango oshindji osha pumbwa okuningwa omanga iifuta mbyoka inayi tulwa miilonga.

Mwene gwokandingosho gumwe, ngoka ina hala uukwatya we wu holowe okwa popi kutya ngele okwa tulwa miilonga iifuta mbyoka nena otashi ka mana po iimaliwa yawo mbyoka haya longo okuza moongeshefa dhawo.

Omunangeshefa gumwe, gwosalon ngoka ina nyanyukwa netulo miilonga lyefuto lyiishoshela mbyoka, okwa pula kutya omolwashike epangelo itali tula pombanda ondondo yaamboka taya vulu okufuta iishoshela yepangelo, okuza poN$50 000 okuya poN$100 000.

Epangelo olya li lya kaleke edhilaadhilo ndyoka pethimbo sho lya li lya tulwa poshitaafula lyotango moshikakomvula yo sho2014/15, kominista nale yemona, ngoka ngashiingeyi e li omuprima Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

Minista Calle Schlettwein okwa dhenge omuthindo kutya pethimbo ndika lyoshilongo sha taalela onkalo yopaliko ya dhigupala, oyena okukonga iiyemo ihe elalakano lye haku gwedhela iishoshela mbyoka hayi futwa kaafuti yiishoshela ihe okukwashilipaleka kutya ayehe mboka ya pumbwa okufuta iishoshela otaya futu tuu.

OGONE TLHAGE

Ina ku ningwa natango etokolo moshiningwanima shomoRundu

Omunambelelwa omukuluntu gopolisi yaNamibia,

Sebastian Ndeitunga okwa tindi kutya Komanda gwopolisi yaRundu okwa tulwa ponkatu yopevi omolwa edhipago lyaantu yatano ndyoka lya ningwa moRundu omasiku ga piti.

Pankundana ndjoka ya li ya pitithwa kushimwe shomiikundaneki, Haingura okwa pewa ompito yiilonga yopevi moombelewa oonene dhopolisi mOvenduka, moka a ningi omukomeho omutonateli gwoompungulilo.

Ndeitunga okwa tindi ehokololo ndyoka ta popi kutya, ndyoka elundululo owala lya ningwa na kali na sha naashoka sha holoka moRundu.

“Olye a popi kutya okwa tulwa pevi? oompungulilo otadhi vulu okukaalelwa nokomunambelewa e na ombandi yochief inspector.

Otayi nompito ye yiilonga ndjoka a kala nayo moRundu, nelundululo ndyoka olya adhika li li po nale kali na sha naashoka sha holoka poo manga a li omukomeho gwosasiyona yopolisi moRundu.”

Ndeitunga okwa popi kutya inaku ningwa natango etokolo mwaashoka sha hokoka moRundu, molwaashoka otaku ningwa natango omakonaakono, nongele opolisi oya monika ondjo kutya oya longa nuuhasha nena po nduno taku ka ningwa omatokolo.

Omukomeho gwopolisi oshiwike sha piti okwa kunkilile aanambelewa ye kutya itaka idhidhimikila mboka itaya gwanitha po iilonga oshowo elongo lyuulingilingi.

Pethimbo ndyoka, Ndeitunga okwa popi kutya shoka sha holoka moRundu otashi yemateke na oshili oshiyolitha oshinene, sho omukwashigwana li a ka konga ekwatho ihe okwa lombwelwa kopolisi kutya kape na iihauto, na inaku shangwa nomembo lyawo lyolopota oshinima shoka.

Okwa popi kutya otashi yolitha sho ka pwali iihauto yokuka kwatha opo ku yandwe oshiningwanima shoka, ihe konima yoshiningwwanima iihauto yopolisi ya thika po 12 oya yi kehala lyoshiningwanima.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Opel’s epic new Corsa Sport 1.4TPunchy little hatch, with a whole lot of attitude The new Corsa Sport 1.4T is bound to astound with its sporty, funky good looks, connectivity and power sunroof as standard.

Designed to impress, with power and features beyond what is to be expected from a vehicle in this segment and at this price point, the Opel Corsa Sport 1.4T is bound to astound with its sporty, funky good looks, connectivity and power sunroof as standard.

The exterior body kit, sport suspension and 17” dark titanium alloy wheels enhance its good looks and ensure a steady, comfortable drive in the city and on the open road.

Speaking of power, the 1.4 turbo, six-speed manual gearbox, realises 110 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque setting it aside from its popular competitors in this highly contested passenger B segment market.

The Corsa Sport boasts a host of safety features including daytime running lights, side blind zone alert, advance park and hill start assist 2, ABS and ESP. Six strategically placed airbags enhance driver and passengers safety.

For driving convenience, cruise control, Bi-Xenon lights with cornering light control and front foglamps, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers compliment the stylish, yet functional Corsa Sport.

The Corsa Sport is covered by an Opel three-year /60 000 km service plan and a five-year/120 000 km warranty, ensuring confidence in product purchase. This hatch is a great deal for anyone seeking an affordable, economical and sporty fun-to-drive vehicle.

So, grab the comfortable flat bottom leather steering wheel, turn the 7” touchscreen Intellilink system with BT and USB availability on, release the leather handbrake lever, and confidently hit the road in the five-door Opel Corsa Sport.

Pupkewitz Toyota warms Havana School2 750 school bags, 260 blankets donated thus far The project not only emphasises the importance of a balanced educational environment, but the need to ensure these children’s warmth at school. Anton Westraadt, dealer principal of Pupkewitz Toyota - “We should continue the spirit of giving back to the community when we are in the positon to do so and it is only through education that we are able to achieve that,” he said.

On 4 July, Pupkewitz Toyota, accompanied by Valerie Tjirimuje from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, handed over a donation of the ‘Future in a blanket’, sister project of the ‘Future in a bag’ initiative to the Havana Project Secondary School in Windhoek.

During the event 120 learners each received a blanket and a pair of socks, to keep them warm.

Pupkewitz Toyota employees, accompanied by officials and players from the Namibia Rugby Union, have dedicated their time by volunteering to personally hand over the blankets at the school nominated by the directorate of education.

Pupkewitz Toyota employees as well as the rugby delegation described the experience as extremely humbling. Although a small gift - a blanket and a pair of socks - it was inspiring to see the joy, gratitude and pride on the faces of the learners.

Pupkewitz Toyota sells its products and services to its valued customers in Namibia - activities that enable the company to generate profits with which its employees are paid and developed. Thus far with our main project, ‘Future in a bag’, Pupkewitz Toyota donated in excess 2 750 school bags and 260 blankets to child in need.

The project not only emphasises the importance of a balanced educational environment, but the need to ensure these children’s warmth at school.

Innocent Mweti, principal of the Havana Project Secondary School, said they value the fact that an effort was made and he feels honoured that their school is one of those chosen for these gifts.

Anton Westraadt, dealer principal of Pupkewitz Toyota, encouraged the learners and reminded them to also give back one day when they are older and able to.

“We should continue the spirit of giving back to the community when we are in the positon to do so and it is only through education that we are able to achieve that,” he said.

Company news in brief

Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights to Eritrea

Ethiopia’s state-owned airlines will resume flights to Eritrea’s capital Asmara next week, a state-affiliated news agency reported on Monday, hours after the neighbours and longtime foes declared their “state of war” over.

Fana television reported the news on its Twitter feed.

The restoration of diplomatic ties and trade links was agreed on Monday after a historic day in Asmara of talks between the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The nations went to war in 1998 and cut ties then, but last month Ethiopia’s new reformist prime minister offered an olive branch to Eritrea, kicking off a rapid rapprochement that has stunned the region and delighted many citizens in both states.

-Nampa/Reuters

McKinsey's new boss apologises

McKinsey’s new global head will on Monday apologise to South Africans for work the firm did with friends of scandal-plagued former president Jacob Zuma, an ill-fated deal that tarnished the reputation of the world’s biggest consultancy.

McKinsey has lost most of its clients in South Africa since it emerged last year it had partnered with local consultancy Trillian in order to win a 1.6 billion rand (US$120 million) contract with state power utility Eskom in 2016.

Trillian was then controlled by the Guptas, three brothers who are under investigation over accusations that they used their friendship with Zuma to fraudulently win government contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

-Nampa/Reuters

SoftBank tightens grip on Yahoo Japan

SoftBank Group is increasing its stake in Yahoo Japan through a US$2 billion, three-way deal with US firm Altaba to deepen ties with the internet heavyweight ahead of an IPO of its telecoms unit.

Under the deal, SoftBank will buy 221 billion yen (US$2 billion) of Yahoo Japan shares from Altaba, formerly internet giant Yahoo Inc. Yahoo Japan will then buy back 220 billion of stock from SoftBank.

As a result of the transaction SoftBank’s stake in Yahoo Japan will rise to 48.17% from 42.95% with just a US$9 million net investment. Altaba, Yahoo Japan’s second largest shareholder, will have about 27% and end a joint venture partnership.

-Nampa/Reuters

House Republicans query Apple, Alphabet on privacy, data practices

Four senior US House Republicans sent letters on Monday to the chief executives of Apple Inc and Google parent Alphabet Inc asking questions about location data and mobile phone privacy practices and the handling of customer data.

The chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Greg Walden, along with three other senior Republicans on the panel, wrote the companies “to probe the companies’ representation of third-party access to consumer data, and the collection and use of audio recording data as well as location information via iPhone and Android devices.”

-Nampa/Reuters

Uber joins scooter wars with Lime investment

Uber made a move into electric scooters Monday, as the ride-service giant agreed to a strategic partnership with Lime, one of the major players in the fast-growing segment.

Lime announced the new US$335 million (about R4.5billion) investment to be led by GV - formerly Google Ventures - with additional funding from Google parent Alphabet and others including Uber.

Uber will make "a sizable investment," according to Lime co-founder and chief executive Toby Sun, and will enter into a partnership allowing users to rent scooters directly from the Uber app.

-Fin24

Doornboom features at land tribunal

The now infamous Doornboom farm in the Hardap Region has found itself in the High Court after a Barry and Sharon van Wyk appealed to the land tribunal to get government to explain why they are not the beneficiaries.

According to the couple's lawyer Frans Kwala, they were recommended for resettlement on the farm but this allocation was never finalised.

The couple now wants government to explain why it has, in the meantime, resettled someone else on the farm. Kwala yesterday told the tribunal that he is positive that the matter could be settled within the next two weeks. The tribunal chairperson Elize Angula, however, told Kwala that the court will strike the case off the roll if they do fail to submit status reports.

“We understand that it is a good idea to settle if that is contemplated, but if the matter is not yet settled we expect joint status reports three days before the next hearing. If those are not filed we will strike it off the court roll,” she said.

The case has now been postponed to 16 August. Former parliament member and fulltime commercial farmer Clara Bohitile is one of the tribunal members, along with Windhoek lawyer Elize Angula, who is the chairperson, and her deputy is Clive Kavendjii. Orben Sibeya, also a lawyer, and fulltime commercial farmer Ryno van der Merwe are also members.

History

Doornboom farm has been allotted to Hermann !Garus-Oab.

This is not the first appearance Doornboom makes in the news.

Namibian Sun reported last month that 27 households were evicted from Portion B of farm Doornboom 316 in the Hardap Region, and were destitute and without water, after they were dumped in a corridor along the reserve of proclaimed road D1282. They were given eviction notices in November last year and were removed from the farm on 4 June and dropped off next to the main road.

JEMIMA BEUKES

IPPR hits backReacts to Kameeta, Klazen's Afrobarometer attacks The IPPR has hit back at claims that the Afrobarometer survey has an agenda to turn Namibians against the government.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), as the local partner of the Afrobarometer survey, has expressed concern over comments made by some government officials who have suggested the survey has an agenda to turn Namibians against the government.

“Neither Afrobarometer nor the IPPR, as the local partner, are pushing any agenda or providing our own opinion,” the IPPR said in a statement. “It is disappointing to be subjected to such attacks by government leaders who should welcome independent, high-quality research that could help them better shape their policies.”

This follows Nampa reporting that poverty eradication minister, Zephania Kameeta, had said: “It is clear that [Afrobarometer research] has an agenda to turn the people of this country against the government, and for the citizens not to work with the government in place.”

Furthermore, deputy urban and rural development minister, Derek Klazen, was quoted as saying: “Who sent them, and where are they coming from? They just want to pump lies into the people of this country, and discourage the good work the government is doing.”

According to the IPPR, the aim of the survey is to find out what ordinary Namibians think about a range of political and economic issues.

“On some issues, Namibians are critical of government performance - as with poverty, where a majority of Namibians say that government has not done enough to fight it.”

The IPPR explained that when the survey finds that Namibians are critical of government, it does not mean that Afrobarometer as an organisation or the IPPR as the local partner is condemning government. The survey reflects what ordinary Namibians think about these issues. Respondents to the survey were negative about some aspects of government's performance and positive about others.

The IPPR said it is therefore incorrect to portray the survey as simply having negative findings about government.

“We previously reported that Namibians have very high levels of trust in the president - some of the highest levels on the continent, in fact.

“Such parts of the survey did not draw accusations of a hidden agenda from government ministers,” said the IPPR.

It also pointed out that Klazen spoke at the event where the figures showing high levels of confidence in President Hage Geingob were first presented.

“It is therefore surprising that he spoke out against Afrobarometer's methodology over the weekend.”

According to the institution, Klazen suggested that because Afrobarometer interviewed only a subset of the population the results are not representative of the nation as a whole.

However, the IPPR says this is a common misconception about polling and is not an accurate description of their work.

“In fact, we are confident that our results represent the opinions of voting-age Namibians to a high degree of confidence (95% confidence level with a margin of error of about 3%).”

ELLANIE SMIT

Steinhoff bought forests linked to executives at inflated pricesThe company still awaits PwC’s results A company linked to executives of Steinhoff International Holdings bought South African forestry plantations in 2001 and then sold them to the retailer three years later for more than five times their original value, documents show. The PwC investigation into Steinhoff has an open mandate to identify transgressions and those responsible. - Steinhoff

Steinhoff, which plunged 96%t after disclosing accounting irregularities and chief executive officer Markus Jooste quit in December, commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to investigate its finances and has said restatements may have to go back to at least 2015.

The forestry deal is similar to car dealership transactions Steinhoff carried out in 2007 where it bought properties from companies linked to Jooste at a multiple of their initial value.

Steinhoff declined to comment on the forestry transactions, saying it is awaiting the outcome of the PwC probe.

Since December the global retailer has been selling assets and trying to persuade creditors owed more than €9bn not to force it into insolvency. With the equivalent of almost US$17 billion having been wiped off its market value, the saga has become one of South Africa’s biggest-ever corporate scandals.

Steinhoff’s venture into forestry came shortly after Jooste, 57, became managing director in 2000. The company began buying assets to produce the timber needed for the furniture it sold, annual reports show.

Trademarks, vehicles

Steinhoff agreed in 2001 to pay R15.8 million for trademarks, vehicles and equipment owned by forestry companies Thesen & Co and Thesen Properties, sales agreements seen by Bloomberg show.

The deal did not include any Thesen plantations and instead Thesen sold 55 properties to Malenge Sawmills, which took a loan from Steinhoff to help with the R29.5m purchase, according to tax court documents and sales agreements seen by Bloomberg.

Steinhoff managed the plantations that Malenge bought. In 2004, Steinhoff bought 53 of those plantations from Malenge, by then known as Kota Sawmills for R159.7 m, court documents and company minutes seen

Between 2001 and 2004 the following Steinhoff executives at times served as directors of Malenge and/or Kota – Stephanus Grobler, Frederik Nel, Jan van der Merwe, Gary Chaplin and Danie van der Merwe, who has been acting CEO of Steinhoff since December.

Chaplin and both Van der Merwes resigned from Malenge on May 31, 2001, while Grobler and Nel stayed on, according to corporate filings and company minutes seen by Bloomberg.

PwC probe

Chaplin said he resigned from Malenge before the transactions were executed and wasn’t aware of their details. Jan van der Merwe didn’t respond to questions sent by text message and didn’t return phone calls.

“The PwC investigation into Steinhoff has an open mandate to identify transgressions and those responsible,” Steinhoff said, adding that it was also commenting on behalf of Danie van der Merwe and Nel. Grobler declined to comment, citing the PwC probe.

Kota sold the plantations to Steinhoff in 2004, recording a R125.6 million profit for that financial year, shortly after entering a funding agreement with Mayfair Speculators, of which Jooste was the sole director.

Kota listed Mayfair as a company to which it was making loans, some of them interest free, according to its financial statements. Jooste’s lawyer, Callie Albertyn, didn’t respond to emailed questions or return a call made to his office.

Impairments, loss

Steinhoff said in its half-year results to March that PwC is working to identify all transactions that weren’t done at “arms length” or at market-related prices and a final report isn’t due until the end of the year. Having had to impair some assets involved in questionable transactions, Steinhoff wrote off €12.4 billion in the first half and declared a record net loss of €621 million.

Between 2001 and 2004, Kota was wholly owned by Switzerland’s Fihag Finance Handels and Fihag was also one of Steinhoff’s biggest shareholders, company filings and annual reports show.

Fihag was owned by Steinhoff’s founder, Bruno Steinhoff, until he said he sold it in 2003. His daughter, Angela Kruger-Steinhoff, was one of its directors over the same period.

She is currently a member of Steinhoff International’s supervisory board. Steinhoff also said Kruger-Steinhoff couldn’t comment because of the PwC probe. Fihag didn’t respond to queries.

After these early deals, Steinhoff went on to buy assets ranging from furniture retailers in South Africa to discount chain Poundland in the UK, Conforama in France and Mattress Firm in the US.

South African billionaire Christo Wiese became a major shareholder and Steinhoff’s chairman after a series of deals that started in 2014. He’s now suing the retailer for R59 billion over losses he incurred as a result of the disclosure of accounting irregularities.

Steinhoff has said it’s assessing the claims and will determine “the appropriate course of action.”

The company behind the forestry transactions and the car dealership sales still exists. It’s now called Kluh Investments, with Kota having changed its name again in 2007, and Jooste’s son-in-law Stefan Potgieter is its sole director.

He’s also the only director of Mayfair Speculators. Potgieter didn’t respond to queries.

-Fin24

Beef exports to US kick offFirst batch to be sent by the end of July A first for Africa, the process to export beef to the United States has been completed and the first consignment will be sent at the end of this month.

Namibia will at the end of this month become the first country in Africa to export its beef to the lucrative United States market.

This follows a long process of negotiations, legislation and investigations to ensure that the Namibian meat industry, and Meatco specifically, meets all the standards.

On 13 July 2016, Namibia was listed in the United States Code of Federal Regulations as eligible to export meat products to the United States. However, the process began almost six years ago.

The exports to the US were hindered by pending labelling approvals for Meatco's products, following a public health and assurance audit by the US via the Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS).

According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Meatco is expected to send its first consignment of beef to the US at the end of July.

“Namibia is the first country in Africa to do this. Although approval for exports was granted in 2016 already, labelling for exports had to comply with US requirements first,” said the union.

Meatco previously said that under the final approval agreements, it will be exporting boneless raw beef products like prime cuts and beef trimmings as well as chuck and blade.

According to Meatco this also means that it can export both chilled and frozen boneless meat (excluding offal) to that country.

“The strategy for this particular market is to target the fast food industry and franchises like Mc Donald's, to provide maximum returns for Meatco and its producers.”

According to Meatco, this is another niche market that has opened, giving Meatco more options to maximise returns for producers. The additional market gives Meatco the opportunity to streamline its cuts and make sure it positions the right product, in the right market at the right time.

In the past, Namibia projected the potential volume of meat exports to the United States to be as much as 860 000 kg in the first year after the ruling's enactment, increasing to as much as 5.7 million kg in five years.

ELLANIE SMIT

Exotic birds under the hammer at Otjiwarongo

Agra's bird and poultry auction which was held at the end of June in Otjiwarongo attracted great interest, with a total of 40 people registered.

This follows shortly after a very successful Kekkel, Quack and Kraai poultry auction was concluded in Windhoek, where a variety of ducks, geese, chickens and turkeys were auctioned by Agra for the very first time.

At the recent auction at Otjiwarongo, Agra sold exotic birds. It was especially the poultry and pigeons that were very popular, but the parrots and lovebirds delivered the highest turnover for the day.

A total of 101 parrots and lovebirds were offered at the Otjiwarongo auction, as well as 92 poultry, 51 doves and pigeons, 26 finches and 22 pheasants and quail.

During this auction, Agra acted as the agent for Otjiwarongo's bird club, the Namibia Agricultural Society (NAS). The club's treasurer, Ben van der Merwe said they were very pleased with Agra's service and especially the marketing of the auction.

According to him, it is important that the public should be made aware of such an auction. Van der Merwe says the club hopes to offer another similar auction in November, with Agra as the agent.

Another Kekkel, Quack and Kraai poultry auction is also scheduled for 2 August at 17:00 in Windhoek at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring.

STAFF REPORTER

Weaner exports defended The Namibian Agricultural Union has dismissed reports that that the export of weaners to South Africa has a negative impact on the economy.

This follows statements made by agriculture minister Alpheus !Naruseb that the increasing trend of exporting cattle on the hoof from Namibia is negatively impacting on the availability of livestock for throughput at local abattoirs.

According to the union, the weaner industry allowed an inflow of N$2 billion into the Namibian economy last year and has a very important influence on the rural economy in places such as Gobabis, Otjiwarongo and Grootfontein.

According to statistics of the Meat Board, 60% of all weaners which are marketed are born in communal areas and therefore sales pump a lot of money into the economy in rural areas.

“It is the viewpoint of the union that all three marketing channels, namely an internationally competing export abattoir, abattoirs which are slaughtering for the local market and a market for live export of weaners, are necessary for a sustainable meat industry.”

According to !Naruseb a total of 164 220 cattle were exported in 2016 and this increased to 315 198 cattle exported last year.

He said this situation deepens the triplets of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the country.

“I am conscious that some farmers argue that they export weaners mainly due to the fact that they do not have sufficient grazing to grow weaners to slaughter ready cattle. This challenge is not insurmountable. For instance, government, farmers and the private sector can work together towards the creation of fodder production schemes, feed processing plants and feedlots.”

!Naruseb said that alternatively, some are of the opinion that live exports of weaners happen because there is no local slaughter capacity for weaners.

He said the local market for livestock continues to be viable.

“It should therefore naturally follow that, as patriotic producers of livestock, we should support the development of our local economy, by availing our livestock to the domestic value chains.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Ndeitunga warns Rundu copsProbe is ongoing but consequences coming Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga denied that the transfer of the station commander at Rundu was linked to the police action in the massacre at the town on 1 July.

Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga has warned the “long arm of justice” will reach those officers who are implicated in any negligence relating to the so-called Rundu massacre.

“There has been no action taken yet; the investigation is still ongoing. And if it is found that the police have been guilty of probable negligence, then charges will follow,” Ndeitunga said.

He also strongly denied that Rundu station commander, Chief Inspector Andreas Mushongo Haingura, has been demoted over the incident in which five family members lost their lives

According to the state-owned New Era newspaper, Haingura has been redeployed to the police's regional headquarters to be in charge of a storeroom, while his old post has been filled by Chief Inspector Paulus Mbandu Hauwanga,

However, Ndeitunga denied it was a demotion, saying it was simply a regular redeployment and had nothing to do with the investigation into the Rundu massacre.

Haingura's storeroom guarding assignment follows a public outcry over the alleged actions of Rundu police officers that may have contributed to the slaughter of a family at the town's Ndama location recently.

It is alleged that 20-year-old Jesaya Gabriel Chuhunda's sister went to report his violent behaviour to the police, shortly before he beat his grandmother, mother and three nephews to death, but that the officers had told her they could not assist because there was no transport available.

These allegations have been deemed so serious that Ndeitunga directed the police's internal investigation directorate to probe any police negligence in the matter.

The case against Chuhunda, who remains in custody, was remanded to 20 August and he was also sent for mental observation.

He was arrested after he allegedly killed his grandmother Ndongo Ntumba (77), his mother Ndara Elizabeth Mpande (46) and his three nephews Musenge Petrus Muruti (6), Hausiku Daniel Kapumburu (4) and Musenge Elias Tjingelesu (3).

It is alleged he committed the senseless killings out of frustration, after he was denied money by his sister, who he then assaulted and who subsequently raced to the local police station for help, but to no avail.

“Who said it is a demotion? A storeroom can also be guarded by a chief inspector. He is going with the same rank from Rundu. This redeployment was already in the pipeline and not because he was the station commander during the incident,” Ndeitunga said of Haingura's new assignment on Monday.

He warned police officers last week he will not tolerate corruption and lax behaviour and that stern action will be taken when necessary.

During a briefing to police staff in Windhoek last week, Ndeitunga said what happened in Rundu is disappointing and a joke.

“When you see the report, it states that a member of the public came to the charge office and asked the police to assist. But the police said no, they have no car there. There was not even an entry in the registry to indicate that there was a case. They just said, 'no car here',” Ndeitunga said.

He said it was a joke that while there was no car available to prevent the Rundu massacre, about 12 police vehicles were in attendance at the subsequent crime scene.

JEMIMA BEUKES