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Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Namibia minister sacked over rape charge
Namibia's president has dismissed agriculture minister Mac Hengari, her office announced Sunday, as reports emerged that he is under investigation for alleged rape. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's statement came as a police spokesperson confirmed media reports that an investigation had been opened into Hengari. According to reports in the country's press, a minor has accused him of having raped her. Hengari had only been appointed to the government post in March. "President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has relieved Hon. Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari of his duties as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform," the president's office said in a statement shared on social media. "The termination of tenure takes effect from Wednesday, 23 April 2025 when Hon. Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari should have tendered his resignation," it added. According to Namibian press reports, Hengari may also face prosecution for abduction and abortion, which is illegal in the conservative southern African country. AFP
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Locust outbreak confirmed in northeastern Namibia
Windhoek: Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed a locust outbreak in the country's northeastern Zambezi Region, affecting multiple areas and raising concerns of a possible second wave of infestations. In a public notice, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, executive director at the ministry, said the outbreak was first reported in early February following heavy rains and has been observed in the hopper and fledgling stages. Locusts have been spotted along the floodplains of Ibbu, near the Chobe River, and in about 11 constituencies in the Zambezi Region, she said, adding that significant rainfall has created ideal conditions for locust reproduction. "We are urging farmers to report any sightings of locust bands or swarms to the nearest Agricultural Development Centre," she said. Nghituwamata said that the continued presence of green vegetation in northeastern and north-central Namibia, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Botswana and Angola, provides favourable conditions for a second generation of locusts. As vegetation begins to dry, the insects are expected to form groups and potentially move northward in small swarms, she added. The southern African nation has deployed a team of agricultural officers to the region to control the outbreak using vehicle-mounted sprayers and mist blowers, Xinhua news agency reported. "We are actively monitoring the situation and carrying out control measures to limit the spread," Nghituwamata said. Namibia has experienced several locust outbreaks in recent years. In 2020, an outbreak of African migratory locusts affected over 700,000 hectares across the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa regions. A locust outbreak, particularly of desert locusts, refers to a massive increase in their population and swarming behaviour, leading to widespread destruction of crops and vegetation. These outbreaks, often occurring cyclically, can have devastating impacts on food security, livelihoods, and the economy.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Locust outbreak confirmed in NE Namibia
WINDHOEK, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed a locust outbreak in the country's northeastern Zambezi Region, affecting multiple areas and raising concerns of a possible second wave of infestations. In a public notice issued Tuesday, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, executive director at the ministry, said the outbreak was first reported in early February following heavy rains and has been observed in the hopper and fledgling stages. Locusts have been spotted along the floodplains of Ibbu, near the Chobe River, and in about 11 constituencies in the Zambezi Region, she said, adding that significant rainfall has created ideal conditions for locust reproduction. "We are urging farmers to report any sightings of locust bands or swarms to the nearest Agricultural Development Center," she said. Nghituwamata said that the continued presence of green vegetation in northeastern and north-central Namibia, as well as in neighboring countries such as Zambia, Botswana and Angola, provides favorable conditions for a second generation of locusts. As vegetation begins to dry, the insects are expected to form groups and potentially move northward in small swarms, she added. The southern African nation has deployed a team of agricultural officers to the region to control the outbreak using vehicle-mounted sprayers and mist blowers. "We are actively monitoring the situation and carrying out control measures to limit the spread," Nghituwamata said. Namibia has experienced several locust outbreaks in recent years. In 2020, an outbreak of African migratory locusts affected over 700,000 hectares across the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa regions.
