Day: September 15, 2024

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Wanderers crowned Rugby Premier League champions


WINDHOEK: Pioneers Park – based Wanderers Rugby Club clinched the 2024 Namibia Rugby Union Premier League title after defeating UNAM 45 – 20 at the cathedral of Namibian Rugby in Windhoek on Saturday . The two exceptional teams of the season reached the finals after defeating their opponents in the semi – final play – offs a week ago . Wanderers beat Kudus from Walvis Bay , while UNAM overcame Grootfontein to make it to the final . At the Hage Geingob stadium on Saturday , in front of a handful of supporters , Wanderers took an early lead with a try in the second minute of the match , but they missed the conversion . Five minutes later , Denzo Bruwer scored a dropkick , extending Wanderers ‘ lead to 8 – 0 . The team further increased their lead with a penalty , making it 11 – 0 . UNAM , initially struggling on the day was awarded a penalty in the 20th minute but failed to convert it . Shortly afterwards , Aljarreau Zaahl scored a penalty for UNAM , bringing the score to 11 – 3 . Just before halftime , UNAM sc
ored their first try with a brilliant build – up play , exposing the Wanderers ‘ defence for the first time in the match . However , Zaahl missed the conversion , leaving the score at 11 – 8 in favour of Wanderers . As the game approached half time Wanderers had two players sent to the sin bin within a few minutes . UNAM won several scrums , but they were unable to take advantage of them . Despite having players off the field , Wanderers scored a penalty , making the halftime score 14 – 8 . At the start of the second half , UNAM was awarded a penalty , but Zaahl missed the kick . Shortly after , Wanderers went for a try however , UNAM ‘ s strong defence prevented Wanderers from gaining further ground , and only won a penalty which they converted to extend their lead to six points . Wanderers ‘ Danco Burger who returned from the sin bin , scored a try , which was successfully converted by Bruwer . Wanderers who were on a scoring mode once again ran in a try , extending their lead to 31 – 8 . In the final minut
es of the match , UNAM also ran in a try , but Nandi Karuuombe scored two tries for Wanderers which were successfully converted , resulting in a total of 45 points for Wanderers . While UNAM also scored their last try of the match , but the conversion was missed . The try scorers on the day for UNAM were Abraham Ilonga ( flank ), Camlo Martin ( centre ) and Rowan Jansen ( flank ). Aljarreu Zaahl ( full – back ) had one penalty and one conversion . Wanderers ‘ tries were by wings Jurgen Meyer and Nandivatu Karuuombe ( two ); penalty try and by Danco Burger ( centre ). Fly – half Denzo Bruwer kicked three conversions and four penalties

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Murang’a police host games to foster good relations with the public

Officers from Murang’a Police Station yesterday organized friendly matches with members of the public as part of sensitization on the importance of community policing.

The police together with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and other stakeholders noted that, community policing as a crime management strategy, allows the police and the community to work jointly with a view to identifying and solving problems of security and social disorder around them.

Speaking during the launch at Ihura stadium, Dr. Stanley Kamau of Ahadi Trust and the national ambassador for community policing stated that, as members of the public interact with the police and NGAO through such joint recreational programmes, the relationship between the public and the officers improves.

‘Through such interaction the public is able to see the police as human and approachable and hopefully this will boost their relationship and advance cooperation,’ Kamau said. ‘The games open up avenues for dialogue which is an important
part of improving security,’ he added.

Kamau highlighted the importance of such platforms noting that they have proven to be effective in the past as members of the public are more likely to volunteer information in such informal settings instead of expecting them to report or visit police stations.

‘We have had cases where the community looks at the police and local administration as heartless or unapproachable, today we are here to try and change that narrative,’ he noted.

Kamau said that communities play a vital role in maintaining security in their areas and therefore working together with the police is important.

‘By building partnerships, stakeholders work together to anticipate, identify, prevent and investigate criminal conduct,’ Kamau stated.

Kiharu Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Esther Muoto said community policing events are crucial as they give the administrators a platform to interact one on one with the public.

‘Such interactions are important as they bridge the gap between the police
, NGAO officials and the public making it easy to share information,’ She stated.

The ACC emphasized the significance of voluntary participation of the local community in the maintenance of peace recognizing that the police need to be responsive to the communities and their needs.

She noted that joint problem identification and problem solving is a key element of community policing.

Murang’a township MCA, Charles Machigo, on his part said a close working relationship between the police and members of the public is important for peace and security.

‘Once the members of the public see they can relate with police officers at a human level it is easier to share information that will lead to improved security in the area,’ Machigo said.

The event brought together matatu operators, tuktuk operators, bodaboda riders, students from local colleges, county government enforcement officers, police officers and NGAO.

The various teams took park in tug of war, volley ball, football and 100-meter race.

Source: Kenya
News Agency

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Seven police officers arrested for alleged bribery at Oshikoto


The Namibian Police Force ( NamPol ) in the Oshikoto Region has arrested seven police officers for allegedly accepting a bribe of N . dollar 17 000 from two seven – seater drivers to allow them to pass through a checkpoint with illicit goods and bales without the required permits . According to the region ‘ s NamPol Crime Investigation Coordinator , Deputy Commissioner Titus Ekandjo , the incident occurred between January 2024 and August 2024 at the Oshivelo Police checkpoint in the Oshikoto Region . The suspects were arrested on Friday , and a case of contravening Section 43 of the Anti – Corruption Act , Act 8 of 2003 ( corruptly using office or position for gratification ) has been opened against them . Ekandjo reported that on 25 August 2024 , an operation was carried out by officers from the Oshivelo Police Station following a tip – off about two seven – seater vehicles suspected of carrying illicit goods and bales , travelling on the B1 road towards the Oshivelo Police checkpoint from the Onhuno and On
gha villages in the Ohangwena Region . ” The information was received at about 03h52 , and it was further reported that the seven – seater drivers were in contact with individual police officers working at the Oshivelo checkpoint , who allegedly allowed them to pass through the checkpoint with illicit goods and bales of clothes without being searched ,” he said . He added that after a follow – up , the two seven – seater vehicles were intercepted and found in possession of illicit goods and bales without permits . ” The seven – seater drivers revealed which police officers they communicated with to pass through the checkpoint without being searched . They provided the names and mobile phone numbers of the officers , as well as communication messages and records of payments made to the officers via FNB E – Wallet and Pay2Cell ,” Ekandjo reported . He further stated that a total of nine police officers were implicated , with a combined sum of N . dollars 17 000 paid to them . Seven suspects were arrested , whil
e two remain at large . The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance before the Tsumeb Magistrate ‘ s Court on Monday , while investigations continue .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Israeli attacks injure 13 in S. Lebanon


Israeli military targeted a three-story building north of the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon late Friday night, injuring 13 people, according to Lebanese military sources.

The military sources said that the Israeli army carried out seven airstrikes on five villages and towns and shelled seven villages and towns with about 35 shells in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah attacked several Israeli military headquarters and sites with drones and missiles.

Lebanese military sources said that army positions have monitored the launch of approximately 70 Katyusha rockets and several drones from Lebanon toward northern Israel.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas’ attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Iran denounces Western countries for imposing new sanctions on Tehran


Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has denounced certain Western countries over fresh sanctions imposed on Tehran, which was accused of selling ballistic missiles to Russia.

The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks in an interview with Iran’s IRIB news agency, which was published on Saturday, while reacting to the sanctions imposed by the United States, France, Britain, and Germany on Iran.

“The Western states should know, and it is surprising that they still do not know, that sanctions are a failed tool and they will not be able to impose their intentions on Iran, whether with regard to the nuclear issue or other ones, through sanctions,” Araghchi said.

He stressed that Iran would “continue its path with strength,” adding that although the country had always been open to dialogue and had never abandoned “constructive” talks on achieving a common understanding about different issues, such a diplomatic process should be based on mutual respect, not threats or pressure.

Also on Saturday, Ir
an’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that any claim about Iran’s sales of ballistic missiles to Russia is “basically false,” while referring to the Western sanctions as “a path that not only fails to help resolve problems, but also is part of the problem and will be responded by Iran.”

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Poetry event held in Myanmar in celebration of mid autumn festival


A poetry event was held here on Saturday to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.

During the event, Mid-Autumn poetry recitation, Peking Opera, songs and dances were performed, and cultural activities such as moon cake-making, tea culture display and calligraphy display were also carried out.

Nearly 150 people, including university students and local employees of some Chinese enterprises in Myanmar, attended the event.

Li Qianguo, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, said at the event that China and Myanmar have close cultural and people-to-people ties. The moon is closely associated with traditional festivals in both China and Myanmar. During the event, the participants enhanced friendship through poetry.

Tin Maung Tun, rector of University of Yangon, said that both Myanmar and Chinese cultures admire the full moon, which represents harmony, reunion and happiness. Poetry recitation and delicacy display at the event allow Myanmar students studying Chinese language to better understand tradi
tional Chinese culture and facilitate cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two sides.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Two Jordanians freed after being kidnapped for 2 weeks in Syria: foreign ministry


Two Jordanian citizens kidnapped in Syria have been safely returned to Jordan after more than two weeks in captivity, the country’s foreign ministry said Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement that Syrian authorities secured the release and transfer of the two individuals, who are in good health.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah expressed gratitude for Syria’s cooperation in freeing the captives and facilitating their return through official channels.

Qudah said the ministry, through its Directorate of Operations and Consular Affairs and the Jordanian Embassy in Damascus, had been in constant contact with Syrian authorities since the kidnapping was reported.

The ministry did not provide details about the circumstances of the kidnapping or the identities of the victims.

Jordan and Syria have been working to improve relations in recent years after a decade of tension due to Syria’s civil war.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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5 Palestinians killed in Israeli attack on school in Gaza City: sources


At least five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people southeast of Gaza City, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources on Saturday.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes attacked the Shuhada’ al-Zaytun school in the Al-Zaytun neighborhood.

Medical sources said that the airstrike killed five Palestinians, including children and women, and left several others injured, who were then transported to hospital.

The Israeli military confirmed that its air force conducted a precise and intelligence-guided strike on a group operating within a “command and control complex” formerly used as the Shuhada’ al-Zaytun school in Gaza City.

The Israeli military statement said Hamas operatives used the complex to plan and execute operations against Israel.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people w
ere killed and 250 others taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,182, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Cyclone hits Romania’s Galati County, leaving 5 dead, hundreds displaced


Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents.

The cyclone unleashed heavy rainfall, totaling 150 liters per square meter. It caused widespread flooding, leaving more than 25,000 homes without power and impacting over 5,000 households across 12 towns, according to local media reports.

In response to the disaster, the Romanian government has mobilized emergency resources.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu visited Slobozia Conachi, one of the hardest-hit towns.

“Our priority is saving lives. We have the logistics in place to respond quickly,” he said, promising temporary housing, food, and other essential supplies for displaced families.

Meanwhile, the National Committee for Emergency Situations approved emergency aid, which includes 400 tons of food, sleeping bags, mattresses, and modular housing units to provide temporary shelter for those affected.

The Ministry of National Defense
deployed military personnel, rescue boats and trucks to assist in rescue operations.

Romanian Gendarmerie patrols have also been deployed to prevent looting and vandalism in the affected towns.

“The safety of the people remains our top priority,” a Gendarmerie spokesperson said, urging residents to follow safety instructions and avoid returning to dangerous areas until conditions stabilize.

As more severe weather is forecast, with a red alert for heavy rain issued for nearby Vaslui County, the Romanian government is closely monitoring the situation. Efforts are also underway to repair damaged infrastructure and restore normalcy for the thousands impacted by what has been described as the worst flooding in the region since 2016.

Source: The Namibia News Agency