N$4
namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6903 FRIDAY 5 MARCH 2021 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Airlink touches down
Armed robbery at Swakopmund one in custody Eileen van der Schyff
Direct flights between Walvis Bay and Cape Town are finally possible again Rudi Bowe Residents of the coast have access again to a regular, direct flight between Walvis Bay and Cape Town. That is thanks to the privately-owned regional air operator, Airlink. The first flight touched down at the Walvis Bay and Walvis Bay and vice versa was only possible International Airport on Wednesday (2 March) via Johannesburg. and was welcomed with fanfare by the manage- One said that by using the direct flight saved him a ment of the airport. lot of time as the Walvis Bay. This new route is Airlink's fourth between Passengers expressed satisfaction with the South Africa and Namibia. The other routes are onboard service and the friendliness of Airlink's Cape Town to Windhoek, Johannesburg to air crew. Windhoek and Johannesburg to Walvis Bay. Foster added: “Airlink is great value for money. Airlink's Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Fos- Economy class fares include a 20kg free luggage ter, explains this new service is ideal for busi- allowance, plus a 15kg sporting equipment ness travellers, as Walvis Bay is an important allowance.” economic hub. Passengers are treated to a complimentary light In addition, the new route is also ideal for lei- meal and refreshments. There is generous leg sure travellers, both for inbound and out-bound room and passengers have the choice of an isle or tourism as well as for students. window seat, as the ERJ135 does not have a row According to Foster Airlink operates the Em- of middle seats. braer ERJ135, an aircraft proven for regional passenger flight operations. The flights between Cape Town and Walvis Bay are scheduled every week for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights depart Cape Town at 14:00 with the estimate time of arrival at Walvis Bay at 16:50. The return flight departs Walvis Bay at 16:50, arriving in Cape Town at 19:00. With the arrival of the first scheduled flight from Cape Town on Wednesday, one passenger told Namib Times he welcomes this initiative by Airlink because of the disappearance of Air On the pictures above: first officer Britt Laity and flight Namibia. attendant Elrine Mellet shortly after touchdown. The flight Another said the direct flight saves travellers captain, Captain Johan Nicolaison could not be on the between Cape Town and Walvis Bay approxi- photo as he was preparing for the return flight. The other mately eight hours. Prior to the introduction of picture shows the ERJ135 taking off for Cape Town with this direct flight, travelling between Cape Town the iconic Rooikop at the background
A man is in custody following an armed robbery at a gambling house in Swakopmund's industrial area on Saturday night. A gang of five armed robbers entered the premises and forced the owner to open a safe. The safe contained N$90 000 in cash which they made off with. According to a police spokesperson, a passer-by saw the men fleeing the scene in a green Opel Corsa. The witness saw the registration number of the vehicle and soon police investigators located the owner of the vehicle. He was subsequently arrested as an accomplice to the armed robbery and the manhunt continues for the gang. Business owners are once more reminded to have security systems and protocols in place, as armed robberies are a common occurrence. Being prepared for the unexpected can prevent crime in most instances.
Two Arandis residents go missing Eileen van der Schyff
Two residents of Arandis went missing this week, leading to widespread efforts to locate them again. At this stage the disappearances are not linked. On Sunday, 17-year-old Prisma Uiras left her home after regular disputes with her sister over her cell phone usage. Uiras left when her sister went to attend church. Uiras was last seen wearing a blue pair of jeans and a maroon-coloured shirt. Uiras indicated to a younger member of her family she was leaving for Swakopmund and will not return. Her family could not trace her yet.
Continues on page 2
inside
Walvis has a “Fish & Chips’’ again
Page 5
Twaloloka Housing project belongs to Government
Page 6
Fuel price increase brace for more fuel hikes and higher inflation Page 7
Sports News Page 16