Wednesday, December 26, 2012

No Christmas for Grim reaper on Namibian roads.


7 people died in two separate accidents on our roads 
in two days. The first case was reported to the Motor 
vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund on 24 Dec when two people 
died on the Okahandja/Otjiwarongo road. The bus they were traveling 
in left the road and crashed. 

the second incident 5 people died yesterday morning around 
05h30 between Outjo and Kamanjab after a sedan 
carrying 8 people swerved preventing hitting a kudu, when it left the road and 
overturned killing 5 occupants.  

this brings the butcher's list to 53 from 22 Nov to date. 


undated picture of an accident scene between
Tsumeb and Otavi.
Picture Courtesy Expedite Aviation. (Tsumeb)

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Suspicious moves? Dog thieves on the move again?

Barely four months ago Namibia was in the news 
after a suspected dog smuggling syndicate made use 
of our country to transport dogs stolen in SA to Angola. 
This photos was sent to me this afternoon after 
a group of young men act suspicious in town by the way they 
look and collect the dogs. Should you recognize your dog call the 
SPCA asap, or the Namibian Police. 




photos contributed. 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Grim Reaper having a royal time on Namibian roads.



According to the MVA 20 deaths reported
since beginning December 2012
This does not look good at all.

Stats 1-16 Dec ( prelim)

Crashes - 159
injuries 299
deaths -20.
Bloodstains on a newspaper tells two stories,
One the story of people injured in an accident
on the Western Bypass, while the second story on the front page
tells the story of an accident that claimed ten people
early Oct.

Camera SAMSUNG NX 100

Might be a mock accident, but at the end
it might be you that medics attend to.

Camera SAMSUNG Galaxy S2

undated picture of West Coast safety Initiative .....


Monday, December 10, 2012

Mandela only discharged once military medical team found him healthy enough.

Former SA President Nelson Mandela will only be discharged from hospital 
once his medical team is satisfied with his health condition. Mandela 
was admitted to I Military Hospital in Pretoria on Saturday. 
Jacob Zuma paid the 94 year old Mandela a short visit 
on Sunday. Presidential Spokesman Mac Maharaj said the medical 
tests carried out on Mandela was routine for a man of his age. 

December 10 is a very special day for Madiba, as he received the Nobel Peace prize in 1993






Sunday, December 9, 2012

Elderly died in inferno at old age home in Walvis bay


The person who died during a fire at the 
Walvis Bay old age home was identified as 
Baba Els, age unknown. 

The fire broke out around 20h30 on Saturday the Namib Times reported. 
Els who was in the frail care unit died due to injuries 
sustained during the inferno. 

The speedy response of the emergency services 
and assistance from bystanders ensured 
the fire was contained and damage was limited.

Investigations into the cause of the fire is underway.  

photo only for illustration purposes. 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Mandela Hospitalized.


South African media reported just before 18h00  that Former South African President Nelson Mandela was hospitalized on Saturday. Madiba is he is known was taken to a hospital in Pretoria. According to the South African Presidency he was admitted for medical attention, and Jacob Zuma's office said Mandela is doing well and there no cause to alarm. The South African Press Agency (SAPA) reported that "Mandela will receive medical attention from time to time which is consistent with his age" Zuma's office said in a statement. The SA government requested the media and public to respect his privacy and that of his family. 
Mandela turn 94 in July. 




Thursday, December 6, 2012

Death toll on toll on Namibian roads reason for concern. ( NOT for sensitive viewers)

WARNING!! NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS 
This is the reality at M/A accidents scenes.

The Namibian Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) reported 
506 deaths since the beginning this year, exceeding last years 
toll of just over 490. Many cases multiple deaths occurred 
due to overloading, speeding, driving under the influence, 
reckless driving to mention a few. Many lives could have been 
spared if only the driver abide by the rules. By looking at the 
the amount of accidents thus far 2946 ( 04/12/12) it is evident 
that authorities need to be more stricter/harsher when it comes to 
fining/punishing reckless drivers. It seems that drivers 
who are responsible for accidents who claimed 
people's lives walk away without any accountability, just to be on the road 
again the next day. 
Overloading of long distance busses/taxis is also the fault of those 
paying to get killed, as they are either desperate/uniformed/ignorant 
to get onto an already overloaded bus. 
I am also of the opinion that Police officers at various 
roadblocks are also to blame, as they can clearly 
see when a vehicle is overloaded and doing nothing 
to rectify the problem. 
The blood of this victims are also on the hands 
of the government of the day for not acting against those who 
clearly in broad daylight transgress the laws. 

But until then we will surely report daily on road fatalities, 
we will surely write until we are blue in the face, 
ten people died in one accident on B1, overloading
played a role in the accident. ( Oct 2012)
four lives lost in one single accident between
Rehoboth and Windhoek. Speed allegedly played a role.
( 2/11/12)




pedestrian tried to cross the road while intoxicated.
sustained serious injuries.

Photos: Francois Lottering
Camera: SANSUNG NX 100. 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Grim reaper busy on Namibian roads despite road safety campaigns.


According the Namibia motor Vehicle Accident 
Fund 496 people died so far on our roads for 2012. 
This figure was up to 25/11. 
yesterday another person died on the Western Bypass 
after he was hit by a vehicle. According to an eyewitness 
two cars were racing when an Audi hit the 
victim. He died on the spot. 
Speed and reckless driving was the two 
factors in this case that could have been avoided 
and a man's live could've been saved. 



Picture: SAMSUNG Galaxy SII

Saturday, November 24, 2012

COPPS 94.1 a busy night again.


Community Orientated Policing and 
Problem Solving or in short COPPS 94.1
is a joint venture between Kosmos 94.1 and 
the Windhoek City Police was stared around March 
2012 to bring to their listeners 
the reality of what is happening on the streets 
in Windhoek after dark, and what the City Police 
and Namibian Police must face daily to ensure 
our safety. 
Unfortunately Namibia sit with a crime element 
that indiscriminately  makes every one a potential victim. 
The Namibian Police Regional Commander for the 
Khomas region, Commissioner Festus Shilongo 
said at several occasions that there is no place for crime in the 
region. Secure Khomas for is a campaign 
to ensure that criminals will be hunted down, making the 
region a better place. 

The Windhoek City Police supplement the initiative 
and work around the clock ensuring our safety. 

During my period as anchor for COPPS 94.1 it is evident that 
alcohol and of lately drugs play a big role in crime. 
Most shebeen owners do not abide by the rules and regulations 
under which they got their trading license, 
and it is not an uncommon sight arriving at a shebeen 
in the townships seeing hundreds of under aged under the 
influence. Most of these teenagers are school going 
girls dressed in skimpy outfits. Then we wonder 
why Namibia is plagued with HIV/AIDS, 
high teenage pregnancies, thousands of OVC's 
roaming the streets and poverty. 

Regardless all the campaigns to sensitize Namibians 
on the effects of the misuse of alcohol, 
it seems some ignore the warnings, while others seems 
to see how far they can push the limits, and when they clash with the 
law? It is some else's fault for not telling them not to drink and drive, 
was not aware of the dangers of alcohol misuse. 





A man arrested for drinking in public. It is a
criminal offense in Namibia. If found guilty
can be fined up to a N$ 1000.

City Police will this festive season
ensure our roads are free from drivers who are under the
influence posing a danger to others and
themselves.

Camera SAMSUNG NX 100

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Namibia lost Windhoek Lager Tri nations tournament with one single point against


Yet so close and yet so far. 
the young Namibian rugby players were 
very unfortunate to loose their final match to be crowned 
as the 2012 Windhoek Lager tri Nations Champs. 
Although Namibia dominated the first half it was the 
stronger Spaniards who came back during the second half and 
took the championships with one single point 
beating the Namibians 38-37. 
half time score 26-17 in favor of Namibia. 

the youngsters did well and Namibia rugby supporters 
can surely be proud of their achievements. 

camera SAMSUNG NX100

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Namibian Rugby team won the African Champions Zimbabwe in Windhoek.


Namibia won their Zimbabwean counterparts 
in the Tri-nations at the Hage Geingob 
Rugby Stadium 

Nam vs Zim (10/11) 37-33 
Zim vs Spain (Wednesday 12/11) 18h00
Nam vs Spain (Saturday 17/11) 16h00

The young inexperienced Welwitchias showed 
their agility and determination throughout the match to 
won the much more experienced Sables with 
37-33 (half time score was 16-15 Namibia) 


Camera:SAMSUNG NX 100

MVA reported three road fatalities this weekend alone,,,,

Namibian roads are become more than a death trap 
as to date from January this year 
473 ( confirmed ) deaths were reported. 
This means that at least 1.26 lives are lost daily 
on our roads. Roads are suppose to mean development 
and prosperity, not death and destruction. 

During he same time since January 2012 
almost 4700 people were injured in about 
3000 accidents. This is not surprising to me 
as I almost on a weekly base receive pictures and 
horror stories via my FB on how motorists 
plainly ignore all road safety regulations. ( see 
first picture underneath) 

This is not limited to a certain ethnic group as 
we all are make believe that "they" are the bad drivers. 
Every day while  driving in Windhoek 
I see with my own eyes how prominent 
residents in their big shiny cars drive like bats from hell. 
Ignoring road markings, fail to stop at stop signs, 
overtaking blindly on dangerous roads. getting irritated 
while those who abide by the speed limits are 
shouted at or even thrown finger signs not to mention 
being insulted when he pass on a solid line.

And my question to you Mr. Rich White-Guy, are you 
above the law while you refer to the so called"them" 
as pathetic drivers? When we sit around talking 
we all refer to the taxi drivers as the scum of the roads, 
but we are no better drivers ourselves, and that is evident 
by just driving in the morning from Windhoek's Avis 
residential area to the city barely 5 minutes drive. 
And the faces behind the steering wheel? 
not taxi drivers but prominent you and me? 

undated picture of a driver ignoring the
solid markings between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, then we ask
why are there so many death on this stretch?
Picture contributed 

When we stand at an open grave when one
of our children died in a motor vehicle accident, and
wonder why?

Another reason for the high accidents reported.
The owner of this "breath" claimed to drink only one drink,
but his actions caused an accident costing the
other parties several thousands of N$. 

Even under the influence pedestrians
are a danger to motorists...

camera SAMSUNG NX 100


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Two accidents reported to City Police in less than ten minutes apart from each other.


Two pedestrians were injured last night during two 
separated incidents in town. One of the two
sustained life threatening injuries after 
he without looking and allegedly under the influence 
crossed the road and landed in front of the taxi. 
the accident took place barely ten minutes after another 
pedestrian was hit about 500 meters from the scene. 
In the first case the driver fled the scene 
after attacked by the crowd. He only returned when the City Police 
arrived at the scene. Both cases the drivers 
tested negative for alcohol. This was only two of the many alcohol related 
incidents COPPS 94.1 experienced during the 
Police reality show on Kosmos 94.1.




Camera:SAMSUNG NX100

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Bikers, community and concerned residents came together this past weekend to stand tall against Project X parties.....


17 August will be remembered by many as the night 
that opened hundreds of parent's eyes when they learnt their 
little "innocent" children are involved with drugs, drinks and free sex
when the Police intervened in the first ever Project X party of this kind. 

I was confronted by several of this revelers that attended that night because 
their parents would be disappointed if they are seen in the media. 
while some did not care as to them it's all about the "coolness" 
of hanging around among useless people selling and supplying 
substances. 

The sad part is that this so called cool parties are destroying the futures and 
lives of many young future productive children. And some way the 
organizers think it is cool by dominating the weak. 
Project God was established as a counter for the "X" factors. 

young and old prayed together to open the eyes of the
those youngsters destroying their own lives. 

Bikers are seen as hard people with no emotions. This
group known as the Christian Motorcycle Association
have tears in their eyes for those who destroy themselves with
drugs, alcohol and free sex.

Camera:SAMSUNG NX 100

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Seemingly our country is plagued with evils spirits on the roads,,or would i rather say when some people get behind the wheel, they allow evil to take control of the wheel.

a too familiar scene on our roads, bodies being loaded into the 
police's morgue van. Yet it seems that the Grim reaper will 
still have a roaring time on our roads before something 
drastic will happen. According to the Motor Vehicle Accident
Fund (MVA) this year alone 462 people died 
since January. this figure is excluding the 
3 confirmed deaths this past weekend.
3 on the Windhoek/Rehoboth Road (2/11)


file photo dd May 2012

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Bikers on a prayer walk against another planned project X party in Windhoek.

a Group of people young and old and across
the race, color, religion or any culture 
gathered in town this morning to pray against the 
planned project X parties in our country. The social network 
is buzzing again another one on it's way, while 
both the City Police and Namibian Police are on 
alerts and standby. 

Morne Schutte (in Blue) a self confessed
alcohol and drug user is at the helm of Project God
to stand against the evil spirits 
the X parties. 


Morne Schutte in prayers to break the chains
against the evil spirits that control the youth. 

Bikers are normally seen as the "bad guys"
but Namibia boast with a strong
bikers group calling themselves
"Riding for the Son"
The group, their relatives, friends and
supporters this morning held a prayer meeting
in the city against project X.

camera Samsung NX100

Monday, October 29, 2012

Too many deaths and still no end in sight.

way to many road fatalities on our roads. This past weekend 
the MVA reported at least ten fatalities after a bus and 
a truck collided between Tsumeb and 
Oshivelo. Did our Liberation Fighters fought for us to 
kill ourselves and our loved ones on the roads? 

this past weekend fatalities brought the butcher's list to 448 deaths 
and 4422 injured in 2575 accidents since January 01. 
this represent at least 1.47 deaths daily, and average 14 injuries daily and 
represent at least 8 point 5 accidents daily. 



File footage of casevac training early this year.
Photo; lotteringnews
camera"SAMSUNG galaxy S2

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Juggernaut landed on it's side after rammed into a vehicle left unattended on the Western Bypass.

Driver of the truck escaped with no injuries after 
his truck rammed into an import vehicle left on the side of the 
main route between Windhoek and Okahandja. 
The driver said there were no warning signs 
at all when he rammed into the 4x4 
around 5 this morning. 






Saturday, October 27, 2012

Ignorant? reckless? plain daring? or just plain stupid?

Two youngsters this morning got themselves in real 
big trouble when the passenger was caught without an 
safety helmet. According to law one must wear a helmet 
when riding a bike, but seems the youngsters thought 
different, or they believed the City Police Traffic department 
was still asleep early Saturday morning. Guess what,,they were 
on duty, and the youngsters each walked away with a nice 
surprise, a fine for each one,,,, The helmet is not to spoil your view, or 
hide you from girls,,it is there for your safety. 
although they look both under 18, they claimed they were 
20 and 21 respectively. 


Grim Reaper's list seems endless as nine people died in ons single accident during the early morning hours on the road between Tsumeb and Oshivelo.

How many bodies must still be wrapped in bags like this? 
How many families must be torn apart or even wiped out? 
How many fatal accidents must we still report on? 
how many ? how many? HOW MANY! before 
authorities really want to act? 

Nine people died last night and scores injured after a 
bus and a truck rammed into each other during the early morning 
hours of Saturday 27 October. This brings the 
unofficial death toll for October alone to 40 souls. 
investigations into the cause is underway. 



file footage 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Namibian roads remain a death trap as more than 430 people died since beginning this year.



With the Christmas season slowly but surely approaching 
we as motorists need to change our road behavior as way 
to many people die on our roads. I know that 
the authorities already started with their 
strategic planning to ensure our roads are safer to travel on. 
But why must we as so called grown ups be policed 
to ensure we abide by the rules and road regulations. 
I make it a habit to stick to the speed limits as indicated on 
the road signs, and it is shocking to see how many 
drivers getting frustrated/irritated to stick to the 
speed limits, and then eventually try to overtake 
on the most dangerous spots. This could be fatal 
for the driver, his passengers and other road users. 
According to the Motor vehicle Accident Fund this year 
alone 432 people died on our roads to date in more than 2500 
accidents leaving 4389 people injured. 



the tragic scene earlier this month that claimed
three lives. 

attitude could become expensive 

lost forever....

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

a Big Thank U ......

To all those who frequently stop/call or leave messages on what happened to the regular postings and pictures on lotteringnews. I am in the middle of talks and discussions to make it bigger, more relevant and much more local ( Namibian ) content. I humbly request you to stick around, visit the blog and i will guarantee you that soon you will have access to bigger and better content. Thank you for those who believed in my dream of a central news "agency" in Namibia. And now even the ordinary man who wants to share a story/pic/video clip can be part of the bigger picture. 

                                                                  
                                                                    Francois Lottering

Monday, October 8, 2012

Crime never pays. And the truth is it is in many cases adults acting like children who set the standards

COPPS 94.1 this past weekend had it reasonable 
fair share of action. This was the first time we 
started with COPPS we never left the city center as we 
had several incidents to attend to. 


A young from the coast busted for drinking under the influence 
although his reading only registered .41 he was at fault because 
as he called it "one whiskey to much" The young man was arrested 
at the scene. 

barely freed three weeks ago and again
busted for breaking into a car. The City Police
upon searching him found some cannabis on him. 

with all the accidents we cannot understand why there is an
increase instead of a decrease. Well this say it all. The driver
of the foreign registered vehicle claimed he nor his passengers
drank anything, yeah right, what are the bottles doing in and
around your car.

Pictures: Lotteringnews
camera: SAMSUNG NX 100

Monday, October 1, 2012

Lotteringnews will soon be bigger with more content.


Lotteringnews will within the next ten days be much bigger
much more content and 
surely will give you links from across the country. 
More to follow soon on this development. 
I need to thank all those involved in the blog, and 
for the new(s) agency joining soon. 


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Man killed on Western Bypass outside Windhoek.

NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS 


A man was killed instantly after crossing the Western Bypass around midday yesterday. The circumstances is still unclear. The busy road dividing the city from the townships is a death trap. Pedestrians killed on this road is a regular sight, as many cross the road without ensuring their own or the safety of others. The problem is not unique to this busy section, as many jaywalkers in town plainly ignore the road and pedestrian safety warnings. It is almost common practice for jaywalkers to stroll/cross the roads in the city centre without considering the safety aspects. Police investigations into the matter continue. 



Picture: Pieter Le Roux

COPPS 94.1 started of slowly, but as the night progressed it picked up momentum to such an extend that our last call before midnight we attended a murder.


COPPS 94.1 was honored to be accompanied by the City Police's Canadian Counterparts. The delegation of four is on a short visit to Namibia to see how the two polices forces can cooperate and ensure that crime does not spiral out of proportion. 

 Although the night started of with little incidents COPPS attended during the last two hours to two serious cases that needed the City Police's attention. Shortly after 23h00 we were called out to a serious accidents involved several vehicles in Cimbabasia residential area. According to eye witnesses the driver of a white bakkie fled the scene after his vehicle veered of the road and landed on it's side. The passenger was seriously injured and treated by Paramedics on the scene before taken to hospital. The driver of a truck who stopped to assist at the scene had a mishap himself after his truck rammed through a boundary wall resulting in serious damages to the property, while his truck was slightly damaged. According to the man the truck who was parked on the side of the road handbrakes failed. 

In a separate incident a man was stabbed with an unknown object in Katutura's Havanah's informal settlement. The police arrived at the scene and cordoned the scene of crime. The suspect who is known to the community was arrested shortly after the murder. It is expected he will appear in court tomorrow. 



Paramedics attended to the injured
after the bakkie he was a passenger in left
the road and landed on it's side. The driver allegedly
fled the scene.

The damages the truck caused after a handbrake
failure. The driver of the truck stopped to assist
the accident victims when his truck rammed through
the wall. 

The body of the unknown man stabbed to death. 

Onlookers stared in silence and awe as
the suspect was arrested and taken to prison by
the City Police

Pictures : Lotteringnews.
Camera SAMSUNG NX 100

New Era's journalist threatened by Chinese man for doing her job.

"Next time I will carry my gun and then I will see what you gonna do?" With this words a Chinese citizen in Windhoek's Avis residential area threatened a local news paper reporter for taking pictures of firefighters.
"
What started of as a normal fire fighting story turned ugly after a resident threatened the reporter from the daily news paper New Era from doing her job. Donna Collins was taking pictures of the firefighters when she was barred from a Chinese resident from doing her job. Although the situation could be deemed life threatening as a vehicle parked in a garage was on fire, we only took pictures of the Windhoek Emergency Services Personal preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, and moved to a safe distance. After the fire was extinguished and the firefighters prepare to evacuate the place a Chinese Citizen walked up to us and confront Collins in the presence of a senior official for taking pictures. As I explained our presence at the sight he threatened next time he will cary his firearm and then he will see what we gonna do?  The speedy response of the Emergency services prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent garage which could resulted flames spreading to neighboring residential units. The cause is not known, and investigations is underway. No arson is suspected. No one was injured. 



"next time I will carry my gun..." 

The smoke mass was visible for miles.

The Windhoek Emergency services quick response
ensured the rest of the dwellings were safe guarded from
the fire.

Pictures: Donna Collins

Thursday, September 27, 2012

More clarity on City Police's by-laws on private parties in Windhoek.


The City Police last week drew a lot of criticism after announcing that all parties house parties included need to get permission to host such events. This was seemingly welcomed by many residents as house parties tends to get out of hand an result in noise pollution, often leading to quarrels between neighbors and then City Police or Namibian police must attend to the complaints. And seemingly many Namibian's see partying and drinking as a national sport it often erupts in quarrels, fighting, raping, assault and in some cases even murder. 

Although some was relieved with the announcement as some residents are plagued with noisy neighbors it was short lived as the By-law from the amended 2006 section 94 (1) of the LA Act of 1992 focusses on "Prohibition of Noise Nuisance" The By-law requiring residents to get permission from council only applies to events attended by more than a 100 people. It does not target private social house gatherings like birthday parties, braais or friends coming together. 

The By-law empowers a member of the City Police to issue a fine of up to a N$ 1000.00 to anybody who creates a public nuisance in the street, a public place or a residential area by shouting or quarreling or fighting. 



almost a daily scene at some informal drinking houses
in and around Windhoek. Many of these sjebeens
don's posses any legal documentation to sell
liquor. 

a file photo of the first project X party in town.
More than 600 young people gathered at a house
where "every thing goes" was at the order of the day.

A typical scene in one of the informal residential
areas in Windhoek. The selling of liquor to under aged
is one of the biggest concerns for both City Police
and Church leaders. It is at places like this
where young girls sell their bodies for liquor or
money.

Pictures" Lotteringnews
camera: SAMSUNG NX 100