COPPS 94.1 Still the normal Friday crimes. Drinking and driving, quarrels, and failure to abide by road safety regulations.

Copps 94.1 dished up a variety of incidents. Apart from a few brawls, an accident where a taxi was involved in a hit and run incident and a serious accident between a taxi and a 4x4 it was exceptionally quiet for a month end in the capitol. Although we could not attend to all the cases reported to the City Police it is evident that there is a decline on crimes and incidents associated with Fridays.

under the influence of a substance

concerned bystanders assisting a
women after she was hit by a taxi.
His crime? refusing to stop at a
scene of an accident.

The driver of the taxi in cuffs after
he was stopped by the City Police for
failing to stop at the scene of the accident.
( he was sober ) 

The taxi involved in a serious accident with a 4x4
close to the northern industrial area. 

The impact of the accident
caused the 4x4 to land on it's side. No one injured.
The driver's alcohol level was more
than double the limit. 

back on it's wheels, but needs help from the
scene.

pictures: lotteringnews
Camera SAMSUNG NX 100

Namibia to host 18th annual Aviation Leadership Conference.

Namibia will be the host country for the 18th annual Aviation leadership Conference. Top aviation experts from Europe, South And North America Asia and the Middle East will attend the Conference taking place beginning next week. 

Tiger fishing Fish Eagle style

    
                                                Camera: Joep Nel
                                                Location: Caprivi region

Road safety is normally considered as an issue on national roads, but seems that drivers on municipal roads forget that they are just if not more dangerous due to the high volume of cars.

Daily sights on our roads, two youngsters 

sitting on the back of the vehicle. No protection. 

As I passed two adults in front with no 

interest about the safety of the children. 

My question? whose to blame 

when any of those kids fall, and who will 

pay the medical costs if any injuries or even death. 

picture: lotteringnews
Camera: SAMSUNG galaxy S2

Robbers spare nothing to get to their loot,,,,,

Opportunistic robbers last night caused chaos in the offices of the Gondwana group in Windhoek. This morning when employees of Gondwana arrived at their offices they were in for a surprise as furniture were strewn all over the place. 

Furniture and personal belongings gutted by fire in Otjimuise Windhoek.

The speedy response of the Windhoek Emergency Services this afternoon prevented that a house was totally destroyed by a fire. The fire broke around midday. When the news on one arrived on the scene in Otjimuise the fire was extinguished but firefighters were ensuring that all flames were properly extinguished. 

Nothing spared as thieves broke into the offices of Gondwana reservation offices in Windhoek.

Not much luck for thieves who tried and 

break into the safe of a well known 

tourist reservation group. The thugs who allegedly 

gain entrance after bypassing the security 

system cuffed the guard before gaining 

entry through the roof. 

The badly damaged safe of the company 

the power tool from the very same company
the robbers used to try and open the safe.

Pictures Lotteringnews
camera: SAMSUNG Galaxy S2

The disparity gap between the rich and poor in Namibia is said to be the worst on the globe and by the looks of it will worsen as more fat cats rather ensure their own pockets are stuffed.

Poverty is rife. Hypothetical no one in Namibia should be poor, go hungry, denied basic health services or education. However this is far from reality as the opposite is true with thousands of people in Namibia living under the breadline. This morning the News on One experienced more than we anticipated when we stumbled across a family of not less than 5 living in absolute shambles. 

Grim Reaper had a joyous and fruitful weekend on Namibian roads as not less than six people died in motor vehicle accidents.

According to the MVA six people died this past weekend 

in various motor vehicle accidents across Namibia. 

This is a clear indication that the authorities need 

to act drastically against reckless drivers. Lotteringnews 

reported yesterday about a motorist that ignore a solid 

white line despite a busy road between Arandis 

and Usakos in the Erongo region, and overtook 

several vehicles endangering other road users. 

More to follow as I get footage of the accidents. 

  

file footage of the tragic accident in May when two people 

died a horrific death after the vehicle they travelled in got 

airborne and landed around 80 meters further at the 

Simon de Witt bridge close to Transnamib. 

Alcohol mixed with speed is a deadly combination. 

Back in 1957 Miriam Makeba wrote a song Pata pata,,,it was a hit,,and still today many remember the song. Now 2012 it's back, this time in Afrikaans

Music is the universal language and regardless the culture, ethnic or origin. Even as far as the biblical times music played a vital role in communities, and kings were treated by their own musicians back then. As technology evolved and music became more accessible more artists and songwriters appeared on the scene. But it is not everyone that make the grade and get international flair. 

Namibian Road users NOT serious when it comes to road safety, or can one say authorities involved with road safety and traffic control is reluctant to act against those who endangers fellow road users.

And  then we all try to understand why there are so many fatalities and injuries on our roads. By looking at this picture supplied by West Coast Safety Initiative one can only but ask when will drivers learn? how many people must still die?

According to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund this year alone saw more than 1970 accidents - and that was updated on the 21st August. During this time 3362 people were injured and 332 people died. This long weekend not less than 4 accidents were reported to me. 1x at Langstrand 1 between Windhoek and Okahandja and another between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo and another in Windhoek close to the van Eck power station.

( this posting was hardly ten minutes old 
when another serious accident was reported to
Lotteringnews in 
Windhoek by the police. More on that to follow soon )  

Picture Courtesy West Coast Safety Initiative 

Eight days of hell to free some of the dogs smuggled from South Africa Via Namibia to Angola.

One women's guts to take on Angolan and Namibian authorities to free at least 15 of the almost 40 dogs stolen in South Africa and transported through Namibia to their "new owners" in Angola was worthwhile.  Lotteringnews this morning spoke to one of those involved and said the stress and time was worthwhile to stand up for what she believes in, Animal rights. The concerned group acted after the social media network among them Facebook was flooded with calls to act after reports of pedigree dogs being stolen in South Africa by a cartel and then transported to Angola. The idea behind the dog smuggling is unclear but dog fighting is not excluded at this stage. 

Despite an international plea for action,  Namibian Authorities 

seems to be reluctant to take action, and the vehicles passed 

without any hindrance from any road block or border post. 

The case received international interest as Interpol also took part in the operation. She commended the Angolan Police and Alfandiga an Angolan Custom office at the Oshikango border post for their professional assistance, something she cannot say from the Namibian Authorities. 

The 15 animals managed to rescue are on their way to Otjiwarongo where they will be taken care of before they will be reunited with their owners in South Africa. 

one of the pictures posted on
Facebook after a syndicate stole
pedigree dogs in  South Africa and
transported them to Angola via Namibia.

21 slightly injured and one serious after a collision between a SUV and a bus close to Langstrand.

The Namib Times a coastal news paper reported one person was seriously injured and 21 sustain lesser injuries after a motorist in a SUV crashed into a bus

carrying 20 workers between the two coastal towns. The accident occurred late on Saturday Afternoon on the stretch between Swakopmund and Wakvisbay in the vicinity of Langstrand. Police investigations into the accident continues

Picture Namib Times.

aerial shot of the Langstrand holiday resort.
Picture courtesy: Expedite Aviation

And in Windhoek. The City Police and Namibian Police arrested several motorists last night for driving under the influence of alcohol. A man in his twenties fled from the scene of an accident after his vehicle left the road close to the Van Eck power station, but was arrested shortly after the accident. His alcohol level exceeded the limit and was arrested. It is expected he will appear in court early next week. 

this one did not get away.

"And what is that in your hand?"
a City Police officer patrolling the streets
of Windhoek in an effort to try and curb
alcohol misuse on the streets.

Pictures: lotteringnews
Camera Samsung NX 100

Crime dominate some communities and by the looks of it many people accept living in such conditions where people are stabbed, killed and raped as normal.

COPPS 94.1 was one of the busiest since it started a little more than 4 months ago. For the past few weeks we mostly attended to "normal" crimes, but tonight we really experienced the real Windhoek ranging from a kambashu that was destroyed by a fire, assault and stabbing with a sharp object to youngsters that consider it cool to hang around in public places while alcohol was abundant.

all that remained from a kambashu in the
Goreangab informal settlement after a
fire broke out. Windhoek Emergency Services
quick response prevented the fire from damaging other
shacks, while no one was injured. 

the group of youngsters addressed
by City Police on the by-laws
of the city. 

liters and liters of alcohol
been emptied after City Police
confiscated it from a group
of youngsters in town.

City Police attended to a man under the
influence. Although he is a disabled
person, and should be in an institution
taking care of this segment of the
community, he opted to be drunk and
hang around in the streets. 

A young woman whose face will for ever
show the scars after she was allegedly
attacked by her boyfriend.


Pictures: lotteringnews
camera: SAMSUNG NX 100

No bail for now for drug hauler caught with 2 million dollar cannabis in Windhoek.

Drug smuggler shy for media. 

organized crime in Namibia seems to be dominated by foreigners from other other African nations thave a poor record of good governance by their own governments.

More foreign syndicates are making use of Namibian soil for their criminal activities. This morning the city Police busted a Congolese syndicate involved with the theft of mainly flat screen televisions which is a lucrative business in Africa. 

The Grim Reaper is on the prowl again, only we as motorists can ensure he leaves empty handed.

Long weekend ahead,,,and when on the roads 

take care, stick to the limits and road safety rules, 

don't try to be smart, arrive alive.

According to the MVA August claimed 

18 lives with 332 dead this year alone 

on our roads. Don't become an 

August MVA stat. 

paramedics demo on the evacuation
o a patient. it might be a dummy, but it could be you.

is this what you want to see?
the blood of your family or passengers
due to your negligence?
I dont think so.

pics lotteringnews
camera SAMSUNG Galaxy S2

South African Animal activist and her husband held in Angola by that country's police force at the Oshikango border post.

According to News 24 Maghitta Visser and her husband Dirk and Marchelle Vermaak who traced more than 30 dogs smuggled to Angola via Namibia were arrested at Oshikango border post. It is not sure how many dogs are involved, but sources claim 38 pedigree dogs were transported in inhumane conditions to Angola. It is not sure why the dogs are smuggled to Angola, but dog fighting is not excluded. Visser allegedly went to the Angolan border to rescue the animals when she together with her family was locked up. Angolan authorities claimed they done so for the activists own safety, but activists who were in contact with Visser said they were assaulted.

more on this story as it unfolds. 

the Namibia/Angola border
post can be described as one of chaos with hardly
proper control. 

The Namibian side of the post.

pictures lotteringnews
camera SAMSUNG Galaxy S2

Diverse Energy tested their PowerCube in Namibia with extremely positive results.

As the population grows, so does the demand and need for energy. This has put strains on the limited resources and since fossil fuel like coal and oil is still the only affordable source, this contributes to air pollution which in turn contributes to earth warming. A British Company "diversenergy" looked at various ways of effective alternatives to ensure energy is cleaner, more affordable and does not cost an arm an a leg. 

Nampol 1 druggies 0

The police's battle to keep drugs off the streets continues. This morning the drug unit of the Namibian Police gave drug dealers a major blow after confiscating cannabis to the value of almost 2 million dollars. This is the biggest dagga bust in recent history by the police's drug unit. 

Dagga with a street value of almost 2 million N$ confiscated by Namibian Police this morning

A Namibian man was arrested during the early morning hours after a consignment of dagga with a street value of almost 2-million dollar was found on his truck. The drugs were loaded in Durban and was underway to an unknown destination when police stopped the vehicle outside Windhoek around midnight. The driver with previous records of drug transporting was arrested and taken to the Windhoek station where he was locked up in the presence of his family. He will appear in court tomorrow.

some of the 24 bags used transporting the dagga
with a weight of more than 620 kg's 

one customer is gonna be highly upset after the
police busted his cannabis early this morning north of
Windhoek, and one driver will make sure his
client don't get hold of him for loosing
dagga to the value of almost 2-million dollar. 

fire caused by pure negligence by parastatal on private land.

With the recent fires north of Windhoek still fresh in our minds, a group of workers from Namwater allegedly cause a fire near Blumfelde close to Mariental. Although no animal losses or damage to infrastructure were reported almost a 1000 hectares valuable grazing were  destroyed. According to a neighboring farmer if the workers put safety measures into place when working with power tools the fire could have been prevented. 

all that is left after the fire.

looking at the camping chairs, making
me wonder did the workers camp or work,,or
did the supervisor sat, and when the fire
broke out jumped up and run away...

Pictures: Pieter van Vuuren 

It is s big YES!!! Namibia will be the focus point during the 2013 Adventure Travel World Summit.

Namibians can breath a sigh of relief after the news that Namibia won the bid to host the Adventure Tourism World Summit 2013. Namibia under the able leadership of the Environment and tourism ministry traveled to Mexico last year to introduce the country and what she can offer tourists. After a long wait and many questions and expectations the response has been a big "YES". 

Will Namibia be the Host Country for the 2013 Adventure Tourism Summit? I expect to give you sooner than later an update on the bid.

Namibia last year bid to host the 2013 

Adventure Travel World Summit. 

A small group of the 

elite tourism group visited Namibia earlier 

this year as part of their fact finding mission 

to see if we are ready. Are we ready? we have 

to wait and see, and maybe the 

Minister of Tourism will update us 

later this week. 

Traditional dancers from the
Caprivi region

pictures: lotteringnews
camera SAMSUNG galaxy S2

"Project X" does it holds in anything good for an already spineless youth?

First Project X. Party for Namibia 

kicked off with a bad taste for authorities 

as they had their hands full with hundreds of 

children mostly under aged under the influence 

of alcohol, while the smell of cannabis hanged like 

a curtain over the premises in Windhoek's Eros park. 

Union for taxi operators in Namibia?

Taxi operators are often at the receiving end when it comes to bad publicity, be it from passengers or fellow road users. Their working hours are not controlled and the game is all about money. That money often leads to conflict between owners and operators as taxi owners are often forced to bring in a certain amount of cash. This is only a few of the labor related issues taxi operators face. 

UN World Humanitarian Day target of 1 billion "I was Here" campaign accomplished.

            

                                            

---

This World Humanitarian Day, we want to make a statement that can't be ignored.

We want the world to say 'I WAS HERE', and on August 19th commit to doing something good, somewhere, for someone else.

From major international humanitarian operations to handing out food to the homeless, however big or small let's show the world that we believe in helping others. 

But for the world to take notice, we need to shout it loud, all at once.

Join the UN, Beyoncé and global aid organizations in helping to reach 1 billion people, on 1 day, with 1 message by signing up to this Thunderclap.

And on August 19th, we will flood the world with our message.

                                          information and images" Courtesy UN 

Let"s make Namibia a better place for all and even just for today join hands with the UN's Ban Ki-Moon and R&B sensation Beyonce to celebrate World Humanitarian Day.

Beyonce's message on WHD.

                  

     I invite you to take part by sending me a picture with a short caption 

on your WHD 2012 contribution. The best stories and pictures received 

will be posted on lotteringnews and a copy will be send to the UN 

showing our gratitude for the role the UN played in our Nation. 

Pictures can be send to francois218@yahoo.com.

Thank you and looking forward to your pictures 

                                                       lotteringnews.

                                                              Video Clip Courtesy UN

Today is international World Humanitarian Day. Let us Namibians contribute in making the UN's dream come true. Your small token to help another can make a difference in another human being life.

a Message from the UN's Ban ki-Moon 

on WHD. celebrated every year 19 Aug since 2008.

                                                                  
                                                               Video Clip Courtesy UN

Namibia not spared from so called cool American movies after a group of around 600 gathered at a house in Windhoek's posh residential area Eros Park.

Namibia not spared from so called cool American movies after a group of around 600 gathered at a house in one of  Windhoek's residential area. The theme was based on the American "Project X" movie and attracted around 600+ youngters. The "anything goes" party spiraled out of control and as revelers left the premises around midnight on Friday bottles, glasses and personal belongings were strewn all over the place. How the message got around about the party is not clear, but social media like Facebook and Twitter are not excluded. Although most of the people vacated the premises after the Windhoek City Police ordered the "DJ" to shut the party down, some still acted by hurling bottles to the police officers. No one was injured. Although police monitored the evacuation, a handful of trouble makers were arrested after challenged the police's authority.

If this "Copy cat" parties will be a regular depends on the authorities to curb the trend before it is too late and someone might get killed. American "abc News" reported that a similar party with the same trends saw a teenager shot and killed by his fellow party goers after police responded to a noise disturbance at a Houston mansion. This incident took place as recent as March this year.

on of the arrested taken to a pick up. 

part of the party goers on the dance floor

after ordered to leave the premises the party goers
opted to carry on in the street in front of the
posh house in Eros park. 

one word "Chaos"

pictures. lotteringnews
camera SAMSUNG NX 100

Windhoek City Police had to be called in to restore order after a house party turned into a chaos.

COPPS 94.1 again full of action. Apart from the normal drink and drive and unroadworthy vehicles, with occasional other issues the main activity took place in Erospark where an estimated group of 600 children hanged out a private party. The smell of alcohol and cannabis hanged like a cloud over the place. Some as young as 14 couldn't stand on their feet.  City Police had no choice but to go in and restore order after people in the area complain about the noise pollution. Bottles were hurled at us after the party was stopped by the authorities. There were a few youngsters who popped in to see what's happening and stood on the sideline staring at their peers. My only question how can parents allow something like this to take place on their premises, how can the parents of youngsters not even worry about where their children are hanging around. 

below a few random pictures of the party. More to follow soon.

part of the group of around 600 revelers.

the streets were the next place after the
City Police ordered them to
clear and vacate the premises.

a few landed behind bars after not adhered
to the police's instructions to leave in an orderly manner.

Pics : lotteringnews
camera Samsung NX 100

Out on bail,,,less than a month later re arrested this time for a more serious crime committed

Crime never pays! The City Police this morning arrested a man in less than two weeks time after he was caught redhanded after he looted his formers employers G4S's client in Kleine Kuppe. The man was suspended in the meantime , and this week the very same man while on bail of N$ 5000.00 for his previous case, was arrested again, this time for a more serious crime.

Raging veld fire north of Windhoek extinguished after destroying thousands of hectares.

This time of the year Namibia is plagued with veld fires as the veld is still lush with plenty of grass from the previous rainy season. Although this is often see by farmers as a blessing, it is also a curse as the dry grass is highly flammable and needs a small spark to start a fire. This past week Windhoek was covered with dense smoke as big mountainous areas north of the capitol burnt constantly as firefighters worked around the clock trying to control the blaze. 

Out on bail of N$ 5000 and again behind bars, barely a month after being released on bail. Is the Namibian Judicial system going for a loop?

barely less than a month ago this man 

was caught in the act after stealing from his employer's 

client where he worked as a response officer 

at a security company. today this man was arrested again 

after impersonate a police/security officer and assaulted 

a man allegedly robbing the man from his fire arm. 

He was out on bail of N$ 5000.00 on housebreaking

when the City Police again booked him this morning. 

Picture; lotteringnews
camera; Samsung galaxy S2

As long as motorists dont adhere to traffic rules, or change their road behavior we will see accidents on our roads till Kingdom comes.

The 6 passengers and driver of this bus narrowly escaped 

death after their vehicle left the road and crashed into a culvert 

before getting to a standstill. Medical services and 

ambulances were quick on the scene and rushed the 

injured to hospital in town. 

If only Namibia had more Memes like Liana we would be much richer as she has the potential to become a crop farmer to supply most of her constituency.

Women in Africa are the traditional providers when it comes to food, education and health. And in most if not all cases women will go that extra mile to ensure her family has something to eat, even if she has to take on two jobs to feed them. Making ends meet is not  easy especially in a rural villages where employment is almost non existent. 

7 people escaped death this morning after their bus was involved in an accident between Windhoek and the HKIA.

Road accidents become such a common sight on

our roads that is seems it is only a formality for authorities 

to arrive at the scene, fill in documents, stabilize 

the injured and remove the vehicle. 

this morning 7 people including a baby 

sustained injuries varying from slight to less serious 

after this bus veered of the road between the capitol 

and the Hosea Kutako International airport. 

The cause of the accident is unknown, but police are 

busy with investigations. 

Blood stains of the injured

paramedics assisted  the injured before taking the hospital

pictures
SAMSUMG GALAXY S2

UN Secretary General's message to the world for the upcoming World Humanitarian Day this coming Sunday.

19 August 2003 was a blow for the world when 22 people died in Baghdad during a bomb blast killing United Nations peacekeepers who tried to better the lives of millions of people in war torn Iraq. This dark chapter did not deter the UN in their mission but declared this day as World Humanitarian Day to make people across the globe more aware that we can help each other making the world a better place for all.

As times changed so do the traditional way of storing traditional millet or mahango as we call it in Namibia

Many traditional farmers produce only what they need due to various reasons, one of them is the limited storage space for raw grain and traditional millets like mahango. For hundreds of years the Oshiwambo's made use of traditional storage baskets for their mahango but even that had it's limitations. 

Chamarel's fate still not known, but she turned into a tourist attraction as hundreds of people flocked to Hentiesbay to look at what is left after an inferno destroyed the vessel.

It is almost a week since the French cable Boat 

"Chamarel" was destroyed after a fire broke out 

leaving her drifting helpless in the 

Atlantic Ocean north of 

Hentiesbay. While her owners contemplating 

on her feature she has now became a tourist 

attraction along the coast as many 

flocked this past weekend to the spot where she ran ashore.  

Northern Cattle farmers are better off after they received Auction Kraals. Although they can present their cattle on a bigger platform, they still need a long way to go before getting on par with their mostly white Commercial cattle farmers.

Agriculture provides thousands of direct an indirect job opportunities, while an estimate more than 70 percent of all Namibians are depended on land. The northern parts of Namibia specially above the veterinary line are heavily dependent on land as most of the resident's only means of income is from  small scale farming. 

Body of German adventurist found after he allegedly drowned in the Kunene River. More to Follow soon.

The body of a 39 German adventurist found. The man was part of a group rafting on the Kunene when he went missing last week Thursday during an adventure activity on the river. The experienced adventurist went missing after the vessel capsized. The Namibian  Police, members of the community and various tour operators started with a search and rescue operation shortly after the incident. It was reported the body of the man was found yesterday morning around nine. The deceased was found about a kilometer on the river bank from where the accident took place. 

His name will be released once his relatives in Germany are informed. The German Embassy in Windhoek meanwhile started with arrangements to return his body to his home country. Investigations into the accident continue. 

Picture for illustration purposes only. 

19 August 2003 was a bad day in the history of the UN when 22 people paid the highest price for the less fortunate, among them the UN Envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello. This day was not in vain as it is dedicated since 2008 to remember and honor all that make a positive difference in other's lives.

The United Nation's contribution towards Namibia's sovereignty started long before independence. Their role in our nation building is much bigger than we can see or understand. And like our own welfare the UN plays also their role in other countries, mostly war torn countries where people are in dire straits, and most likely without the UN assistance would have been a lost case

It is about time that Namibian Government work towards protecting local fresh producers from outside markets.

Food security cannot be guaranteed unless farmers are backed by government by means of incentives or ensuring their produce get preference before imported products.  It seems like their plight was heard as more fresh produce farmers are now mushrooming in Northern Namiba, but there are still many obstacles to overcome. 

Chamarel still in the dark on what cause the fire.

PARIS, France, August 10, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- France Telecom-Orange (http://www.orange.com) has suffered a major incident on its cable-ship, the Chamarel. A fire broke out on the ship late afternoon on 8 August while returning from a repair operation on the Sat3-Safe cable off the coast of Namibia in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the crew's efforts to control the fire, the decision was made to abandon the ship at around 8pm local time. All 56 crew members were safely recovered by a Namibian fishing vessel without injury or incident. The crew is currently located at the Namibian port, Walvis Bay and will be repatriated in the coming days.

Meanwhile the VP of Networks and carriers made a short statement 

Thierry Bonhomme, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Networks and Carriers, and R&D, said "This is a very serious incident, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to the crew members for their courage in managing the situation. The safety of our crew is our primary concern and we will look closely at the results of the investigation. I am also grateful for the support provided by the Namibian authorities."

additional information; Alexandra Chang. Wired.com Staff Writer

pictures courtesy Namib Times.