Africa-Press – Namibia. Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Filemon Wise Immanuel, has urgently requested residential security protection for all Magistrates and prosecutors after the tragic death of Justine Shiweda and increasing threats in Grootfontein and Ondangwa.
In a letter dated 21 February 2026, Immanuel urged the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Lipumbu, and Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo, to deploy security personnel to protect judicial officers’ homes immediately. He highlighted that attacks threaten Namibia’s justice system independence and emphasised that safety should not be compromised by budget concerns.
Protecting law enforcers maintains public confidence and upholds justice. This urgent appeal follows the brutal death of Magistrate Justine Shiweda, who was attacked in a violent assault and later died, shocking the legal community. She was known for being principled, fearless, and dedicated to justice.
“Following the vicious and monstrous attack on our late learned and incorruptible friend, Justine Shiweda, who has since sadly succumbed to her injuries, and the notable growing threats on the security of magistrates and prosecutors, a call to action is louder than before,” Immanuel wrote.
He described Shiweda’s death as more than a personal loss.
“Clearly, the loss of Shiweda’s life was not only personal to those who knew her, but a profound blow to the justice system, which she served with courage and integrity,” he stated.
The minister warned the attack was not isolated, citing recent incidents in Grootfontein, where a Magistrate was attacked two weeks ago, and Ondangwa, where threats were made against a judicial officer.
“These are not isolated episodes. They reflect a pattern that demands decisive interventions,” said the minister.
The Minister emphasised that Magistrates and prosecutors often make tough, unpopular decisions, making them targets of threats and violence from people upset with court rulings.
“Magistrates and prosecutors carry the solemn duty of making difficult, often unpopular decisions in defence of justice. When either their workplaces or homes cease to be a source of safety, the independence and effectiveness of the entire justice system is compromised,” he wrote.
He warned that fear must never influence judicial decisions.
“For all practical intents, fear must never become a silent influence over either judicial or prosecutorial decision-making,” Immanuel said.
While a Technical Committee is currently conducting a comprehensive security assessment within the Justice Sector, the minister said immediate action cannot wait for the final report.
“In this regard, and while we await the Report of the Technical Committee charged with conducting a comprehensive security assessment within the Justice Sector, I would like to kindly but urgently request your good offices to consider an immediate assignment or deployment of security personnel or residence guards at the homes of all Magistrates and prosecutors,” he wrote.
Immanuel made it clear that financial concerns should not delay the protection of judicial officers.
“Safety of those who administer justice cannot be weighed lightly against budgetary considerations. Conversations must be activated without delay, in pursuit of resources,” he said.
He described the current situation as a direct challenge to national leadership.
“The incidents forming the basis of this letter do not merely call for interventions; they summon bold and radical leadership. The time for action is now. Accordingly, we cannot afford to wait for another life to be threatened or lost before taking the necessary steps,” he concluded.
The minister stated that safeguarding Magistrates and prosecutors is crucial not only for their safety but also for maintaining public trust in the rule of law.
“By safeguarding those who safeguard justice, we are strengthening public confidence in the rule of law and affirming the State’s unwavering commitment to protecting its servants of justice and peace officials,” he said.
The letter was copied to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah T. Ngurare, Chief Justice Peter Shivute, and Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah, emphasising the seriousness.
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