Namibia’s Vice President Mbumba Advocates for Peace and Responsibility During Christmas Windhoek, Namibia – Vice President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia urged citizens to extend their Christmas spirit to the less fortunate, including the elderly and children, in his Christmas message. In a statement issued by the Presidency, Mbumba reflected on the irony of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, being amidst war this year, limiting visits from Christians during the festive season. According to Namibia Press Agency, He called for those involved in conflicts to uphold human rights, love for mankind, and justice, spreading a message of peace worldwide. The Vice President acknowledged the dedication of Namibia’s healthcare workers, police, defense force, and intelligence service in ensuring the nation’s safety and well-being during the holidays. Mbumba emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, highlighting the need to avoid alcohol abuse, gender-based violence, and to abide by road regulations to prevent accidents and fatalities. ZCZC Tragic Drowning Incident at Divundu, Namibia Claims Life of Local Man Rundu, Namibia – A 38-year-old man, Anton Haingura, tragically drowned in the Kavango River at Divundu in the Kavango East Region while collecting water. Acting Regional Commander of the Namibian Police Force, Deputy Commissioner Eino Nambahu, informed Nampa on Monday about the incident. According to Namibia Press Agency, Haingura’s body has been transported to the Andara District Hospital mortuary, and police investigations are ongoing. With the river rising due to the rainy season, Nambahu cautioned community members to use designated points for water collection and advised parents to prevent minors from going to the river. He noted that drowning cases typically increase during this time. In a separate incident at Shikoro village, a woman attempted suicide by hanging while reportedly under the influence of alcohol but was saved by locals. Nambahu warned against irresponsible drinking, emphasizing the irreversible nature of death and the value of every life. ZCZC Tragic Incidents of Sexual Assault Reported in Namibia Windhoek, Namibia – Several distressing incidents of sexual assault were reported across Namibia, including the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl in Onheleiwa village, Oshikuku, in the Omusati Region. According to Namibia Press Agency, the young victim was assaulted with an unknown object, resulting in serious injuries. The suspect has not been arrested, and police investigations are ongoing. In a separate case, a 35-year-old woman in Groot Aub was reportedly gang-raped by three unidentified men. NamPol spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi stated that the woman was attacked while walking through a riverbed after leaving a club. Her screams attracted a passerby, causing the assailants to flee. No arrests have been made in this case either. Additionally, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped multiple times at Omanga farm in the Grootfontein district, with the suspect accused of providing her alcohol and forcibly engaging in sexual intercourse. In another unrelated incident, a 73-year-old man was arrested in Etoshapoort, Outjo, for possession of 18 parcels of skunk cannabis. The street value of the cannabis is yet unknown, and police continue to investigate. ZCZC Former Swanu President Dr. Rihupisa Kandando Passes Away Windhoek, Namibia – Dr. Rihupisa Kandando, former president of the South West Africa National Union (Swanu) and an academic, has died at the age of 60. According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. Kandando passed away in the early hours of Sunday at a hospital in Windhoek, where he had been hospitalized following a stroke a few weeks ago. Born in 1963 in Gobabis, Omaheke Region, Dr. Kandando led Swanu from 1998 to 2007, making significant contributions to the political landscape of Namibia. ZCZC Namibia’s Vice President Mbumba Advocates for Peace and Responsibility During Christmas