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Articles by Obrien Simasiku
Shivute orders police to serve people
Home / Shivute orders police to serve people 2021-12-15 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA - Oshikoto police commander Armas Shivute has implored police officers to work hard and never turn away people seeking help, while further reminding them that they are law enforcers and not social workers. “Remember you are police officers and not social workers, so you have no business in sending anyone back when coming to report any crime.
Teacher dies after shebeen fight
Home / Teacher dies after shebeen fight2021-12-15 Obrien Simasiku A 30-year-old man succumbed to head injuries a day after he was hit with a brick on the forehead, following a physical fight at Havana Bar in Omuthiya. According to the police crime report, the incident happened on Saturday around 23h00, where it is alleged that the victim Thomas Mega-Mega Nambahu, a teacher at Olupale Combined School, was hit with a brick after he tried to pursue the murder suspect with an Okapi knife.
Grootfontein council on autopilot
Home / Grootfontein council on autopilot2021-12-15 Obrien Simasiku The Grootfontein municipality has been left rudderless since the term of the elected office- bearers lapsed last month. As it stands, no council meeting will be held. Therefore, crucial decisions pertaining to the town’s development and service delivery can no longer be discussed and implemented, other than those already approved. This comes after Swapo’s district leadership recalled one of its councillors, Talitha Garises.
Oniipa council vows to suspend CEO again
Home / Oniipa council vows to suspend CEO again2021-12-08 Obrien Simasiku The chairperson of the management committee of the Oniipa Town Council, Jafet Augustus, believes there are still valid grounds to suspend under-fire local authority CEO Junias Jakob. Jakob, who was temporarily removed in mid-November, was reinstated with immediate effect this week by the recently sworn-in council, which is headed by mayor Hileni Idhogela.
Omuthiya mayoral gala raises N$200 000
Home / Omuthiya mayoral gala raises N$200 0002021-12-07 Obrien Simasiku The resuscitated Omuthiya Mayoral Fund raised N$208 000 at a gala dinner held on Friday. Proceeds are meant to be used for assisting impoverished members of the community, through establishing urban agricultural projects as well construction of a school hostel. The maiden event was held in July 2017 but since then, nothing much happened.
CEO recounts ‘humiliation’ as suspension is lifted
Home / CEO recounts ‘humiliation’ as suspension is lifted2021-12-07 Obrien Simasiku Oniipa CEO Junias Jakob, who was temporarily removed in mid-November, has been reinstated with immediate effect by the recently sworn-in council. In an interview yesterday, Jakob said he was humiliated to the core, and the action has left a permanent scar on his profession and career. “I am trying to apply my mind to the matter, but I can’t forget the humiliation I endured. I have always maintained my innocence.
Ambassador Tobias works towards food security
Home / Ambassador Tobias works towards food security 2021-12-07 Obrien Simasiku The Namibian ambassador to Tanzania Lebbius Tobias says he has unlocked economic activities between the two countries to foster food security at home. Speaking from Dar es Salaam, Tobias told New Era that last week, he held a meeting with governors from all 14 regions, in which he informed them of the recent partnership to start cultivating rice as well as vegetables and fruits to boost food sustainability.
Idhogela in, Kambonde out
Home / Idhogela in, Kambonde out 2021-12-07 Obrien Simasiku Swapo councillor Hileni Idhogela yesterday prevailed as the new mayor of Oniipa local authority, replacing the embattled David Kambonde after a fierce election, which lasted for more than three hours. The ceremony was first scheduled for last Friday, but was postponed to yesterday. Patema Nakanyala of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) was elected deputy mayor.
Rise in school dropouts worrying
Home / Rise in school dropouts worrying2021-11-30 Obrien Simasiku Oshikoto education director Aletta Eises has expressed concern over the rise in school dropouts, especially among San learners. Eises has appealed to parents to play their part and help keep children in school, instead of luring them to hunt, harvest as well as indulge in early marriages.
Man commits suicide after failed rape attempt
Home / Man commits suicide after failed rape attempt2021-11-29 Obrien Simasiku A man from the Oshikoto region committed suicide last week, a day after he attempted to rape a 19-year-old girl. Oshikoto crime investigations coordinator Naomi Katjiua said the victim allegedly dragged the girl from the field to his house, where he tried to rape her but did not succeed.
CEO accused of Swapo favouritism
Home / CEO accused of Swapo favouritism 2021-11-29 Obrien Simasiku Grootfontein municipality CEO Kisco Sinvula has defended a decision to postpone last week’s election and swearing-in ceremony of office-bearers serving on the local authority’s council, following a request by the ruling party, Swapo. Sinvula said that an accounting officer has the duty to arrange and set dates for the swearing-in ceremony in consultation with the local magistrate.
Mutorwa opens Mangetti West road
Home / Mutorwa opens Mangetti West road2021-11-19 Obrien Simasiku ELAVI – The community of Elavi and farmers of Mangetti West, whose roads were in a shocking state previously, were ecstatic yesterday as the 53km second phase of the gravel road was opened to the public. The Mangetti West road leading to Elavi and connecting to the Mpungu and Tsumeb roads, was constructed by Namib Beton to the tune of N$60 million.
Tsintsabis woman heads into construction
Home / Tsintsabis woman heads into construction2021-11-19 Obrien Simasiku Tsintsabis resident Ida Kambiru has taken the bull by its horns as she enters the male-dominated construction industry, saying she was enticed due to the high demand for buildings in the area. “I noticed there is a high demand of people wanting to construct, but the challenge has been the availability of equipment and costs attached to sourcing building materials.
Three nabbed for cattle theft valued at N$81 000
Home / Three nabbed for cattle theft valued at N$81 0002021-11-18 Obrien Simasiku Three suspects have been arrested in separate incidents in Oshikoto for cattle theft with a combined value of N$81 500. Two of the suspects were apprehended at Ondangwa Open Market on Tuesday, where they were found trying to sell 11 cattle, which were stolen from the kraal of Matheus Kathindi (40) at Oshaapa village in Oniipa, says Oshikoto regional crime investigations coordinator Naomi Katjiua.
Oniipa CEO disputes legality of suspension… says he is not going anywhere
Home / Oniipa CEO disputes legality of suspension… says he is not going anywhere2021-11-18 Obrien Simasiku The CEO of Oniipa Town Council, Junias Jakob, has refused to budge despite being suspended by council late Tuesday afternoon, arguing that the meeting at which he was relieved of duties was illegal and unprocedural. Jakob said he will not go anywhere and as it stands, according to him, he still remains the legitimate CEO, further saying his alleged removal is just a plot.
Tit-for-tat allegations in tooth tussle
Home / Tit-for-tat allegations in tooth tussle2021-11-18 Obrien Simasiku A complainant, who walked away from a brawl minus some of his teeth, is accused of also taking a bite out of the law, as he and his family allegedly assaulted one of the eight suspects who attacked him in October. One of the accused, a police constable Clive Sifani Mukaya, was beaten in his room at the police barracks, where he was approached by the displeased complainant, Darrel Muyoba Liswani, and his family.
Man loses teeth in brawl …accuses cop of tampering with docket
Home / Man loses teeth in brawl …accuses cop of tampering with docket2021-11-17 Obrien Simasiku The prosecutor general’s (PG) decision not to allow prosecution of an assault case in which a man lost three of his teeth has left the victim shattered and questioning the essence of justice. The victim, Darrel Muyoba Liswani, was attacked by a gang of eight men, including a police constable in October. The incident happened at Katima Mulilo’s famous chilling spot at First Chotto location.
Grootfontein reinstates 84 contract workers
Home / Grootfontein reinstates 84 contract workers2021-11-17 Obrien Simasiku The Grootfontein municipality has reinstated 84 contract workers who were initially laid off in October following recommendations contained in a ministerial audit report of 2018. The workers were working without formal employment contracts.
Bullying agitates private school parents
Home / Bullying agitates private school parents2021-11-17 Obrien Simasiku A Windhoek private school has maintained it does not condone bullying on any level. This follows accusations by angry parents who came out guns blazing against the management of Sunshine Private School, whom they accuse of not taking stringent action after a bullying incident involving a grade 2 pupil.
Grootfontein to develop over 4 000 plots
Home / Grootfontein to develop over 4 000 plots 2021-11-16 Obrien Simasiku A total of 4 260 plots are earmarked for development in Grootfontein, with priority centred on low and ultra-low-income earners as well as members of the police and Namibian Defence Force. This initiative, according to council, forms part of the recently developed infrastructure master plan that aims to transform the face of the town.
Forget sex, social media - Eises
Home / Forget sex, social media - Eises2021-11-12 Obrien Simasiku Oshikoto education director Aletta Eises has implored learners to refrain from indulging in sexual activities as well as wasting time on social media but rather focus on studying, as exams are fast approaching. She said the focus should be more on books and studying as relationships and social media will only be a distraction, which is likely to ruin their future completely.
King Kauluma bids farewell to makeshift classrooms
Home / King Kauluma bids farewell to makeshift classrooms2021-11-12 Obrien Simasiku Dignity and a sound learning environment have been restored at the King Kauluma Combined School in Oshikoto as a new block of classrooms have been inaugurated. The classroom block of four, including a storeroom, was constructed at a cost of N$969 000 through funding from the Japanese Embassy in Namibia.
Treesleeper needs boost
Home / Treesleeper needs boost2021-11-11 Obrien Simasiku The community of Tsintsabis in the Guinas constituency is lobbying for financial assistance to revive and boost operations of the Treesleeper campsite. This campsite, an income-generating project for the Hei//omn San community, is in a deteriorating state due to the unavailability of funds to maintain and upgrade it, and to run day-to-day operations.
Home births, deaths plague Oshikoto village
Home / Home births, deaths plague Oshikoto village2021-11-11 Obrien Simasiku AMBENDE - Community members of Ambende village say there is a high prevalence of people dying at home as well as pregnant women delivering on their own. Members of the marginalised community are said to be the most affected. Villagers say this is the result of non-existence of a healthcare centre in the area, saying the situation has been exacerbated by high poverty levels.
Community clears bushes to minimise rail accidents
Home / Community clears bushes to minimise rail accidents2021-11-11 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA – Community members of Okapuku village on Saturday cleared bushes along the Tsumeb-Ondangwa railway track to help mitigate accidents caused by reduced visibility. It has been reported that more than seven fatal accidents have occurred in the area over the past few years, where livestock and human lives were lost. The latest accident happened in August this year.
Katima school battles overflowing sewage
Home / Katima school battles overflowing sewage2021-11-11 Obrien Simasiku Overflowing sewage has been a headache at the Ngweze Primary School for many years, with learners and staff fearing the stagnant sewage water will compromise their health. School principal Irene Limpo-Nkwazi said the sewage issue has been a recurring problem for a long time – and despite the matter being reported to authorities, nothing has been done. “We have learned to live within the risk.
Build it aids thirsty Ekulo school
Home / Build it aids thirsty Ekulo school2021-11-09 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA - Staffers of the Ekulo Senior Secondary School in the Oshikoto region have applauded Build it for the donation of a 5 000-litre water tank. Oshikoto has been facing acute water shortages due to pipe breakages and limited water in the reservoirs. In extreme times, remote villages can go for more than four months without a drop of water from their taps.
NCCI seeks relief for Oshikoto businesses
Home / NCCI seeks relief for Oshikoto businesses2021-11-05 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA - The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI)’s chairperson for Oshikoto, Sacky Kathindi has appealed to government to provide some relief to businesspeople, saying Covid-19 has taken a huge toll on their earnings.
Ya Ndakolo worried over sluggish vaccination
Home / Ya Ndakolo worried over sluggish vaccination2021-11-04 Obrien Simasiku Obrein Simasiku OMUTHIYA – Governor of Oshikoto Penda Ya Ndakolo has expressed relief at the diminishing Covid-19 positivity rate, but is worried about the sluggish uptake of vaccinations against the pandemic in the region. He said, of the total 126 185 targeted for vaccinations in the region, only 18 354 have received their first dose, while only 11 810 are fully vaccinated.
Labour agency to fire 43 picketing workers
Home / Labour agency to fire 43 picketing workers2021-11-03 Obrien Simasiku Obrein Simasiku OMUTHIYA - The Employment Placement and Services Namibia (EPSN) says a disciplinary committee has resolved to lay off about 43 picketing workers who have not reported for work since 12 October after engaging in what the company deems an illegal strike.
Oniipa internship termination causes stir
Home / Oniipa internship termination causes stir2021-10-14 Obrien Simasiku Obrein Simasiku The refusal to extend an internship of a trainee at the Oniipa Town Council has left council divided, while the community has now entered the fray to protest the decision. The dispute allegedly started after chief executive officer (CEO) Junius Jakob refused to grant an internship extension of three months to trainee Aili Shikongo, whose contract as well as two other interns’ ones lapsed on 31 August.
Emanya residents receive identity documents
Home / Emanya residents receive identity documents2021-10-08 Obrien Simasiku EMANYA - Joy was visible on the faces of the residents of Emanya in the remote area of Nehale Lya Mpingana in the Oshikoto region, who this week received identity documents through an outreach programme to serve rural communities. Members of the community said they had no idea of when they could be able to obtain identity documents that would make them feel legitimately Namibians.
Retailer cuts ties with recruitment agency...Ndjendjela says AR claims unsubstantiated
Home / Retailer cuts ties with recruitment agency...Ndjendjela says AR claims unsubstantiated2021-10-07 Obrien Simasiku Retailer Choppies has, with immediate effect, severed ties with the Employment Placement Service of Namibia, owned by politician Gottlieb Ndjendjela. Ndjendjela confirmed to New Era that he signed the termination of contract document, but was quick to say the “baseless” allegations levelled against him had nothing to do with it.
Police regret concert shooting
Home / Police regret concert shooting2021-10-06 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA - The police are regretting a shooting incident that happened over the weekend here in which two people were allegedly wounded as Reserve Force members were dispersing a crowd that gathered for a music concert. Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said while confirming the matter that a case has been opened by the victims, and is being investigated.
Councillor under fire over recruitment agency
Home / Councillor under fire over recruitment agency2021-10-05 Obrien Simasiku Businessman and Tsumeb constituency councillor Gottlieb Ndjendjela has received widespread criticism over his recruitment agency, which allegedly takes large chunks of income earned by workers who are placed by the company in retail outlets. His agency, known as Employees Placement Services Namibia CC (EPSN), is the middleman between employers and employees.
Kandume hostel receives fish
Home / Kandume hostel receives fish2021-10-04 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA – Kandume Combined School in Omuthiya last week received boxes of frozen and tinned fish from the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) to alleviate hunger among learners. The head of department at Kandume, Bonifatius Iyambo, said: “This comes in handy because our learners have been starving.
Tsumeb to absorb 23 temporary workers
Home / Tsumeb to absorb 23 temporary workers2021-10-04 Obrien Simasiku OMUTHIYA – The Tsumeb Municipality says it will absorb 23 temporary workers, who have served the institution for years, and make them permanent employees. In recent days, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) was on the municipality’s neck after news emerged that recent temporary workers, who had just worked for six months, have been employed on permanent basis, ahead of those it claims have served the entity for 18 years.
Stillbirth spawns misinformation storm
Home / Stillbirth spawns misinformation storm2021-09-29 Obrien Simasiku A father of a stillborn baby and the Tsumeb hospital has rubbished reports of maltreatment and neglect of a patient. Eveline Marungu gave birth to a stillborn baby on Sunday evening as she was being rushed to labour at the Tsumeb Private Hospital. However, she lost her baby because she gave birth on her own at the hospital premises before health workers could attend to her.
Mudslinging ensues in sand mining saga… Ondonga traditional authority threatens protest
Home / Mudslinging ensues in sand mining saga… Ondonga traditional authority threatens protest2021-09-29 Obrien Simasiku After a reconciliation meeting failed, opposing sides in the sand mining saga have resorted to mudslinging and threats. A meeting to bring together government, businesspeople, the Ondonga Traditional Authority and the community last Friday, was postponed.
Omuthiya politicians still on ACC radar
Home / Omuthiya politicians still on ACC radar2021-09-28 Obrien Simasiku The Anti-Corruption Commission says it is still obtaining statements for its investigation into allegations of corruption levelled against some current and former local authority councillors of Omuthiya. “The investigation launched on the alleged corruption against the Omuthiya Town Council is still under investigation,” said ACC spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata.
Lavinia’s financiers withdraw support… student begs for second chance after abandoning varsity
Home / Lavinia’s financiers withdraw support… student begs for second chance after abandoning varsity2021-09-28 Obrien Simasiku An orphan, whose academic results caused an outpouring of assistance when this newspaper ran a story on her plight early last year, has been asked to return some of the items and support good Samaritans gave her.
Man allegedly murders brother, neighbour
Home / Man allegedly murders brother, neighbour2021-09-28 Obrien Simasiku Four people, including a 69-year-old, have been apprehended in Oshikoto, following a double murder incident that occurred last week in the Bravo area. One of the suspects was shot in the arm as he tried to flee from the police.
Villagers demand complete halt to sand mining… agitated over failed meeting
Home / Villagers demand complete halt to sand mining… agitated over failed meeting2021-09-27 Obrien Simasiku Villagers of Ondado C in Oniipa are demanding a complete halt to the sand mining activities in the area. The community has further lashed out at the Ondonga Traditional Authority as well as environment minister Pohamba Shifeta after an appeal meeting on the sand mining activities was postponed at the eleventh hour. This is the second time that the meeting is suddenly postponed.
Tsumeb teens told to stop frequenting bars
Home / Tsumeb teens told to stop frequenting bars2021-09-22 Obrien Simasiku The community of Tsumeb is concerned about an increasing number of teenagers frequenting bars and engaging in alcohol consumption as well as drugs. To this, the community has petitioned the police and asked for reinforced efforts to curb the situation. “We are deeply irked by the presence of teenagers under 18 at bar and various alcohol outlets in Tsumeb.
Omuthiya’s Okaale springs to life
Home / Omuthiya’s Okaale springs to life 2021-09-22 Obrien Simasiku The much-awaited Okaale Lifestyle Centre in Omuthiya, which will serve as a one-stop shopping centre has sprung to life. Its first retail store, Spar opened doors to the public last week. Hordes of enthusiastic customers patiently waited as doors opened and have a first-time shopping experience.
Mom, daughter killed in crash with donkey
Home / Mom, daughter killed in crash with donkey2021-09-21 Obrien Simasiku A mother and her daughter died on the spot Sunday evening when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned after ramming into a donkey. The victims were allegedly thrown out of the vehicle when it overturned. They were identified as Saima Magano Nangombe (44) and her daughter Ainna Ndagwedha Shikongo, whose age is unknown, said the police spokesperson Ellen Nehale.
Unroadworthy fleet leaves town drowning in waste
Home / Unroadworthy fleet leaves town drowning in waste2021-09-17 Obrien Simasiku GROOTFONTEIN - The unroadworthy fleet of the Grootfontein municipality has left many parts of the town drowning in rubbish as they are unable to collect refuse. Some residents who spoke to New Era said this has been happening for years as the fleet responsible for refuse removal is grounded.
Kombat mine eyes jobs bonanza…. lands N$170 million for restart
Home / Kombat mine eyes jobs bonanza…. lands N$170 million for restart2021-09-16 Obrien Simasiku KOMBAT – Trigon Mining Namibia, which was handed the licence to re-operationalise the Kombat mine, committed to employing about 300 people during phase one and has already refurbished the sewerage system as well as set up an agricultural project to boost food sustainability. The company has also said the number of employees will increase to 1 000 during the second phase.
Oniipa police station prioritised over Oshigambo
Home / Oniipa police station prioritised over Oshigambo2021-09-16 Obrien Simasiku Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga said because of scarce resources, the safety and security ministry will prioritise a police station at Oniipa over Oshigambo. “There are competing police stations, and resources are not readily available to ensure that there is a police station at every place.
Ndeitunga, councillor fume over stalled station
Home / Ndeitunga, councillor fume over stalled station2021-09-13 Obrien Simasiku ONKUMBULA - Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga and the councillor of Okankolo Hans Nambodi are upset over the delays caused in the construction of the police station at a remote village of Onkumbula in the Oshikoto region. Spitting venom, Ndeitunga said they fired and terminated contracts of incompetent contractors who failed to complete the project on time, while some abandoned site.
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