General Ndjoba dies in Germany

Namibia’s military attaché in Germany, Brigadier-General Karel Ndjoba, has died. Ndjoba died in Berlin on Sunday after an illness. Ndjoba, who served as Chief of Staff for Human Resources in the Ministry of Defence before his posting to Germany, has been described as a fine and hardworking officer of great quality by former NDF chief Lieutenant-General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah. He had more than 36 years of experience in the military and first served in the South West African Territory Force, before it was incorporated into the NDF after independence. “He did a lot for the NDF and proved himself as capable officer and contributed tremendously to the structure of the NDF,” said Ndaitwah. Ndaitwah said Ndjoba has not been well for some time now but despite that he did his job. The former NDF chief said he has known Ndjoba since 1996. Ndaitwah said Ndjoba was one of the few officers appointed by the then CDF and was instructed to come up with manuals and pamphlets used in the force today. “He was the first battalion who held the national flag while then colonial South Africans lowered theirs at Namibian Independence,” he added. Namibian Ambassador to Germany Neville Gertze said Ndjoba had been in his new role for four months. “We are in touch with the doctor and it is not clear as to when the body will be repatriated because of the paper work that needs to be done. As soon as we have all the information we will issue a press statement,” he said. Gertze said they will open a book of condolences tomorrow and Thursday at the Namibian embassy. WINDHOEK SELMA IKELA