Offices at Gobabis Magistrate’s Court destroyed in suspected arson attack

Public prosecutors’ offices at the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court were destroyed in a suspected arson attack on Tuesday.

The Magistrates and Judges Association of Namibia on Wednesday expressed concern about the fire, saying it highlights a troubling gap in the security of court premises.

The association said it is also aware of other, unreported incidents that have raised security concerns for magistrates in various parts of Namibia.

“The safety of judicial officers must be of paramount importance, and the [alleged arson] attack at Gobabis underscores the immediate need for enhanced security measures at all court facilities,” the association stated.

It added that it condemns behaviour intended to sabotage the integrity of the justice system.

The association said it will engage role-players in the justice system to address security at courts and ensure they are safe.

The association held its annual general meeting at Swakopmund last week, and elected Windhoek Regional Court magistrate Victor Nyazo as its chairperson, with magistrate Olivia van der Byl as deputy chairperson.

Magistrate Helvi Shikalepo was elected as the association’s secretary, while magistrates Jo-Rina Jagger and Oundjarere Ndjiharine were elected as treasurer and additional executive member, respectively.