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Let's say no to stow

The first crossing of Africa by motor vehicle was completed in 1909 by the Imperial German Army Lieutenant Paul Graetz (1875-1968). At the time he was on an extended furlough as a military engineer stationed in German East Africa (today’s Tanzania).

He and his team arrived at Swakopmund on May 1, 1909, having left Dar es Salaam on August 10, 1907. While the journey of over 9,500 kilometres had taken nearly twice as long as had been originally anticipated, it was heralded as a major achievement.

The motor vehicle used for the expedition was custom designed according to Graetz’s instructions by then Süddeutsche Automobilfabrik Gaggenau GmbH, a company that became Benz-Werke Gaggenau (now Daimler AG - i.e., Mercedes Benz).

Editor's Comment
Mob justice isn't just

A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...

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