Windhoek: Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has said the Namibian government is working through its diplomatic missions in South Africa to assist Namibian nationals affected by the hijacking of a passenger bus in Johannesburg last week.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ashipala-Musavyi responded to an urgent oral question from the leader of the opposition, Imms Nashinge, in the National Assembly on Tuesday. She stated that she has been in constant contact with Namibia's High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Cape Town regarding the incident.

Nashinge raised concerns about reports of passengers being left stranded in South Africa without passports or adequate assistance following the hijacking of a 24-seater bus on 09 June. He noted that the bus remains missing five days after the incident and questioned whether the ministry was aware of allegations that affected passengers had not received assistance from Namibian diplomatic missions.

Nashinge asked, 'Have you got the time to speak to them at least? Do you know where they are right now and what they are going through?' He also suggested establishing a toll-free line to improve access to consular assistance for Namibians abroad.

In her response, Ashipala-Musavyi assured that her ministry had received reports from its mission in South Africa and was actively monitoring the situation. She affirmed, 'Yes, I am aware. I am aware because our mission has sent us a report,' and mentioned that Namibian transport operators conducting business between Namibia and South Africa are collaborating with the Transport Association of South Africa to address safety concerns.

Ashipala-Musavyi emphasized that the mission is working with the South African police to assist those affected and dismissed claims of a lack of contact with them. 'It is not true that they are not in touch. Well, I am relying on the report that I received from our mission,' she stated.

Additionally, Ashipala-Musavyi mentioned that Namibian nationals living in South Africa have organized themselves into associations, and Namibia's High Commissioner in Pretoria is scheduled to meet them on Wednesday.