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

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

Suspect of biggest dagga bust ever by Namibian Police still behind bars as investigations continue.

The suspect in the 2 million dollar drug trafficking Richard Blaauw ( 48 ) was denied bail yesterday. Blaauw who made his second appearance yesterday in a court in Windhoek was arrested by the Namibian Police during August for the possession of more than 630 kilogram cannibis with an estimated street value of almost N$ 2-million. This is the second time the father of at least six children, was arrested with the possession/transport of dagga. 

The suspect was arrested on the outskirts of Windhoek during the night of 23 August with 24 bags containing the dagga. The date of his next appearance is not set by the court, but once made known by the court I will post the date. 

some of the contraband found in the truck of which Blaauw
was the driver. ( file footage) 

The interlink of a well known transporter was under
police surveillance from Durban where the
stash was allegedly loaded.

Pictures lotteringnews
camera SAMSUNG galaxy S2

Brave 40 year old San who saved a Australian tourist from a certain death is doing well in a hospital in Windhoek.

40 year old San Gert Gcao was chosen by 

hundreds of Kosmos 94.1 listeners to be the 

weekly winner of the station's "Hero of the Week" 

competition. Gcao a tour guide from Tsumkwe 

and four fellow San formed a circle around an 

Australian tourists when a wild fire burnt out of control 

and engulfed them. The Tour guides natural instinct 

took over and formed a circle around Jean Bean to protect her 

from the Inferno. by Doing so three died on the spot, while 

Gert and his brother survived the inferno. Gert's is now recovering 

at the Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek. 

This morning his positive attitude and smile during the interview 

showed his character and why he did what he did. 

His bravery could only be commended and should be 

a inspiration to each and every Namibian to protect 

instead of destroy. He and his fellow San Guides 

got international lime light as the Jolie-Pitt foundation 

contributed money for his treatment. 

Gert during an interview on Kosmos 94.1

Gert's smile is contagious as spoke
to the visitors from Kosmos and Trustco International.
Mr. Bob Kandetu hands his winning cheque
of N$ 2000.00 in his hospital bed. 

with more than 70 Percent of his body covered in
plaster his heart and positiveness tells the story
of a man who are worth to be called a hero.

Pictures: lotteringnews
Camera: SAMSUNG galaxy 2

MVA confirmed one fatality and several injured in bus accident between Otavi and tsumeb

One dead and several injured as bus plummeted 

down a hill 10 kilometers south of Tsumeb. 

According to the MVA medical people 

are at the scene determining the level 

of injuries for the rest of the passengers. 

BREAKING NEWS! Bus accident in Oshikoto Region Claims at least one person.

According to sources at least one child died and 

several injured after a school bus carrying at least 

65 people , most of them children, overturned 

and plummeted down a steep hill. 

Information is still sketchy but Emergency services and 

police are already dispatched to the scene. The 

accident happened around five this afternoon. 

The accident took place about 10 kilometers 

south of Tsumeb towards Otavi. 

More to follow soon. 

Pictures for demo purposes only.
Lotteringnews

Namibian environmental reporters completed two day workshop on CBD and it's Protocol's workshop.

Namibia will take part in the 11th CoP in 

Hydarabad India as from 8 to 19 October. 

The Conference of parties is the governing body of the 

Convention, and meet every two years. The 11th 

CoP will be preceded by the 6th Meeting of parties 

to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety from 1 to 5 October .

Namibia's Environmental Minister
Hon. Netumbu Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the
media on Namibia's role at the CoP.
Dr Pumzile Zenela-Dlamini ( front ) from
RAEIN -Africa was one of the Presenters of the CBD
Workshop.

Jacky Hindjou one of the Media practitioners received
her certificate
of participation from the Hon. Minister.

Pictures: Lotteringnews
Camera: SAMSUNG galaxy S2

Lotteringnews travels beyond imagination.

some of the countries logging 

onto lotteringnews for today. 

recently some interesting countries like 

Doha, India, Japan, China, 

Afghanistan to mention a few visit the blog 

at least twice a week. 

another Project X party underway?

Social networks are buzzing of the next 

Project X The idea according to 

sources is to get at least 2-3-thousand people 

together. The date set first week November. 

Let us see if the Police, City Police and 

author authorities have what it takes to stop this 

cult from finding a place in Namibia. 

picture contribute

Namib desert offers more than dunes. This is what I discovered while working on a Nacoma sponsored documentary on the Dorob National park.

The Namib desert from which our country got her name from is described as the oldest desert on the globe. It is also a desert full of surprises and beauty. 

I cannot but taking of my hat for the beauty and peace the Namib desert offers to those who visit her with good intentions. But just as beautiful and tranquil she looks, she could be just as harsh to those who do not abide by her rules. Her thousands of dunes look dead or without any life, but on closer inspection she is home to many creatures, some endemic to Namibia. But it was my visit to her dunes in the vicinity of the harbor town Walvis Bay that made me realize what an honor it is to walk the dunes that the Topnaars walked for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years before me. The Topnaars are one of the oldest tribes alongside the SAN waking the earth. 

While working on a documentary with Chris Oberholster of TV and DVD production on the Dorob national park, we had the privilege to join Herman Neethling from Photo Ventures on a filming tour through a very unique and rich in history part of the Namib. 

Herman's knowledge of the location combined with his value and understanding of the ecological sensitive area made him the ideal partner during the trip. So often in my profession one stumble across self made tour guides, who do more harm than good to nature and tourism, but spending time with Neethling ensured my personal growth got a boost with all the knowledge he bombarded us.

Photo Ventures office in Walvis bay Erongo region.

some of the scenic views.

some artifacts found in the Namib. 

talking about the history of the pan between
the dunes. It is here where one would find petrified
elephant and other animal tracks.

The tracks leading to the ocean. The area
is open to visitors if accompanied by a
tour operator and a permit from the ministry of
environment and tourism.

filming of a water hole with a Topnaar in the back ground.
all filming was done under the supervision of a
tour operator. According to the Topnaar guide
Manuel less then 800 Topnaars are still alive. 

a grave site of an unknown person.
the wind and lately the Kuiseb river
contributed to several graves exposed.

high dunes, soft sand and no indications of any routes makes
the Namib a dangerous place if not well prepared.

pictures: lotteringnews
camera SAMSUNG galaxy S2 and
NX 100

NACOMA awarded those who dedicate their time and efforts to looking after the central coast's future.

Several role players in the country's conservation arena received this past week awards from NACOMA for their role played in conserving our heritage. 

The Namibian West Coast is world renowned for it beauty combined with the rich bio diversity flanked by the world's oldest desert, the Namib and the cold Atlantic Ocean on the other side. The west coast was for many years the preferred holiday spot for locals, but due to the sensitivity of the area the Government had no choice but to intervene and declare the last remaining area to a national park, the Dorob national park. This step by government was seen by many as  a way to hamper freedom, and alongside with the freedom of movement,  came destruction to the area as many holiday makers destroy almost everything with their off road vehicles. This was not the only problem as tracks often take years to disappear, many animals, birds, insects and other living creatures like the lichen fields were destroyed or killed. 

Thus to ensure our coast will remain a pristine area, NACOMA a coastal management organization was established to give technical guidance to Government on the conservation of the central coastal area. And to make this happen dedicated people are needed to assist. Most if not all of the role players who were awarded are volunteers. 

The receivers of the Honorary Coastodian Merit Awards. They were Acting PS Ministry of Environment Erica Akuenje, Linus //Garoeb former teacher, John Paterson conservationist, Mercia Stanton volunteer and Francois Theron Filmmaker. Minister of Lands and resettlement  Hon. Alpheus Naruseb handed over the awards.

clean up teams during this month's
coastal week.

residents of Wlotskaz baken north of Swakopmund
cleaning the beach.

oceans are polluted with all kinds
of rubbish thrown into the ocean.

remains of old rusted barbed wire with broken
bottles in the back ground close to Dune 7.

an annual sight, thousands of anglers
along the coast. 

an arial shot of the high water mark between
the ocean and the desert. Tracks on the beaches are
not much of a concern, but those on the gravel plains
are a concern as the tracks will stay for many years.

The splendid colors of the Namib.

Pictures:
Rossing Uranium, Gys Reitz ( parrot Communications)
Expedite aviation ( Tsumeb) and Lotteringnews. 

Wild fires a big concern for the Namibian Agricultural Union.

The NAU reported in it's weekly news letter to all members that the 

current state of out of control veld fires are a reason for concern, and needs government intervention. 

"Mr Sakkie Coetzee and Mr Danie van Vuuren from the NAU had a meeting with the Director of Forestry, Mr Joseph Hailwa on Thursday September 20, 2012 to mainly discuss the current veld fire problem in the country. One of the problems which was discussed was the inaccessibility of resettled farms during veld fires. Mr Hailwa undertook to try and see whether he can assist resettled farmers within his budget to open their border lines and make them accessible. 

Mr Hailwa mentioned that the new Regulations to the Forestry Act are in a final stage at the state legal advisors before they can be published in the Government Gazette. He agreed that the NAU can still negotiate to have certain fire preventative measures included in the Regulations. The fire prevention measures of the charcoal industry will be used as basis for this. The possiblity to annually, from June 1 until January 31,  classify high risk areas as “Fire Management Areas” as provided for in the Forestry Act will be looked at." 

Pictures: lotteringnews

Namibian Police expands it's air wing in the fight against crime with the acquiring of an EC 145 Helicopter.

The Namibian Police this week took delivery of a state of the art multi mission EC 145 helicopter. This edition will increase the police's air wing to three as two Squirrels ( AS 350 B3's) were acquired during the last three years. Inspector General of the Police Lt. Genl. Sebastian Ndeitunga said the acquiring of the machine is to fulfill their obligation in Nampol's duty in providing civil protection and law enforcement to all Namibians. 

The EC 145 can be flown by one or two pilots with a capacity of up to nine passengers. The EC 145 has a speed of up to 135 kts ( approx 250 kph) with a flying time of around 3.5 flight hours during which time it can comfortably reach 680 kilometers before refueling.  

The hand over took place in South Africa.

EC 145
picture: Linden Birns 

"Squirrel" during a road safety operation
December 2010 deployed at Langstrand
Erongo Region

Demonstration of the helicopter's capabilities
during a recent demonstration of a "Medivac"

Pictures" Lotteringnews

Tune in to COPPS 94.1 tonight as from 8 till midnight. a

Remember your weekly appointment with COPPS 94.1 as from 20h00 till midnight. COPPS - Community Policing and Problem Solving aims to make Windhoek a safer place and create an environment where crime is absent. 

Since the COPPS police reality started I can state that more than 90% off all crimes/incidents reported on alcohol was involved. 

U can tune in on Kosmos 94.1 or DSTV's Music platform Channel 176, or tune in via streaming. 

Remember your attitude and contribution can safe you from being a victim of crime. 

An City Police officer displaying the alcohol
test after a young man was involved in an
Motor vehicle accident.

Picture: lotteringnews
Camera SAMSUNG NX 100

Namib desert offers more than the eye can see.

Back from the unbelievable 

beautiful Namib desert. One always think the dunes 

are dead and the only purpose are for off road vehicles to play around. Not so! I stumbled across unbelievable rich historical places as we are filming a documentary on the Dorob National park. As all the sites and scenes are in the park one needs permits from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. But I will over the next few days post some stories with pictures of petrified elephant tracks, several skeletons from the Topnaars, pottery and the pristine coastline of our beautiful Namibia. 

The only "legal" tracks we found in the desert.
That of the few animals brave enough to survive in the
Namib. 

The remains of a Tamarisk close to Dune 7.

remains of a human bone, with pottery at one of the
old Topnaar grave sites. The place can only be visited under
the supervision of a professional tour operator.
Herman Neethling Photo Adventures is a walking
encyclopedia on the rich history.

Rossing mountain covered with a blanket of fog. 

Atlantic Ocean's richness will never be
fully understood.

Manuel and Fanuel are two Topnaar Brothers
and their home is between the dunes south of Walvis bay.

Picture: lotteringnews
camera: SAMSUNG galaxy S2