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namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6601 TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Chinese businessman nabbed with three live pangolins at Walvis Bay Three Namibian accomplices also arrested Floris Steenkamp
A prominent Chinese businessman of Walvis Bay and three Namibians are expected to launch formal bail applications in the Walvis Bay magistrates court today, after their arrest on Sunday for the illegal possession of three live pangolins. Members of the Namibian Police received information of live pangolins being kept by the accused. The pangolin is an endangered species in Namibia, partly as the result of an indigenous superstition
killing the animal keeps bad luck at bay. More alarming the fact that live pangolins are smuggled to Asia for traditional healing and medicines. The person who contacted the newspaper is a well-placed source close to the
incident as well as a local activist of the Anti Plunder Action Group. The suspects were interviewed by local wildlife officials on Sunday after the arrests were made. The animals are in
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“Italian tourists”scam B&B Erwin Leuschner in Swakopmund The owner of a Bed and Breakfast establishment in Swakopmund is warning similar tourism businesses of a “new” type of scam, after she lost N$3 000 to “Italian tourists” who were supposed to stay five nights at her establishment. The victim wishes to remain anonymous. The victim reported the incident to namib times in an attempt to warn other tourism establishments at the coast. “It is tourism season and many visitors are about. These people (fraudsters) continuously come up with new ideas to steal from unsuspecting people,” she said. According to her she received a telephone call last week from an alleged tour guide, informing her that he was traveling the country with six Italian tourists. “He phoned me from Uis, saying he has another tour booked and that he has to leave for Okahandja. He told me that the tourists wish to stay in Swakopmund, but they can't fuel up in Uis as they only have foreign currency (Euros) on them,” she said. The tourists were allegedly driving two rented 4x4 double cab bakkies that had been fitted with extra fuel tanks. “The tour guide asked me to look after his guests. They booked five nights at my B&B and
inside Cabinet to give phosphate mining second glance
provided information via SMS,” she explained. Adding: “You believe these things and don't suspect anything is off. After all, tourism is our livelihood and you want to assist were you can.” She even spoke to one of the tourists who indeed had an Italian accent. “I believe they used a stolen passport’s information,” she said. The victim was instructed to e-wallet an amount of N$3 000 to a certain number, so the “tourists” could fuel up and drive to Swakopmund and then pay her back – but she never heard of them again. The cell phone number (081 876 6437) has since been discontinued. “For these people (scammers) it is so easy to get a cell phone number and steal money from unsuspecting people,” she continued. After reporting the incident to namib times she expressed intentions to make a case at the police. “I will never again take any booking via SMS,” she concluded.
Town Council denies application for B2 shopping mall Erwin Leuschner The Swakopmund Town Council denied an application for the development of a new shopping centre, hotel and office complex next to the B2 highway close to the Martin Luther museum. This decision was taken at the recent Council meeting. According to the council meeting agenda the idea for this new development was discussed with the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality in June this year. The applicant is Mr Williward Narib from Ndakolute CC. “The applicant proposes the development of 15 871 square metres as the office buildings on a site of approximately seven hectares,” it states. In the Agenda it further states that the meeting was held after the initial application was submitted at the Municipality in 2014. “He (Mr Narib) was informed in 2015 that the application will have to be kept in abeyance until such time as clarification was obtained from the Hon. Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Continues on Page 2
Spar Cancer breakfast Pages 10 & 11
Swakop Swimmers bring home 16 medals
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