Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi on Thursday declined to provide details about a military base being developed at Okongo in the Ohangwena region.
Okongo is located a few kilometres from the homestead of president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The Namibian understands that the military base is situated on the site of an old base that was previously used by South African forces during the colonial era and has remained largely inactive for years.
This reporter sought clarification from Kapofi on whether the development forms part of the Namibian Defence Force’s normal infrastructure expansion programme or if it is linked to efforts to strengthen presidential security.
“I know you have asked our public relations officer the same question. There is nothing newsworthy about this question,” Kapofi said.
The ministry’s spokesperson, colonel Petrus Shilumbu, has also declined to provide information.
“The ministry took a decision not to respond,” he says.
The Namibian has asked the minister and the ministry’s spokesperson about allegations that the ministry has established a new unit tasked with protecting the president, with training reportedly taking place in the Erongo region.
Local media reports in May alleged that a naked man managed to bypass security and gain access to the president’s private living quarters at State House.
Since then, the president has allegedly been protected by soldiers.
