!Gawaxab threatens to sue Amushelelo over ‘unlawful’ publishing of cell number

The Bank of Namibia’s lawyer, Norman Tjombe, has confirmed that the bank is taking legal action against activist Michael Amushelelo for allegedly sharing a central bank number used by governor Johannes !Gawaxab on social media.

Tjombe on Tuesday wrote Amushelelo a letter informing him that a case would be opened with the police for allegedly violating the Communications Act.

!Gawaxab requested strict penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of N$20 000, or both, if Amushelelo is convicted.

“As a result of that, a number of unknown persons, including yourself, are sending unsolicited messages to the mobile number, with the sole aim and effect of threatening, abusing, annoying and harassing the governor of the Bank of Namibia,” Tjombe wrote.

!Gawaxab instructed Tjombe to demand that Amushelelo immediately remove any reference to the cell number from his social media accounts.

The governor would apply for an appropriate High Court order to be issued if Amushelelo fails to abide by the instructions, including a cost order.

Amushelelo was given until Tuesday to remove the number, which he has not done.

“Should you not remove the reference to the mobile number, as demanded herein, by 17h00 on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, and confirm the same in writing to us, our client will make the said application,” Tjombe said.

Meanwhile, Amushelelo says he is not removing the number, and his lawyer will be on standby.

“This is very laughable. I can’t wait to meet him in court to share his number. We all know that when you defame the character of someone by publishing lies, you are immediately sued,” he says.

Amushelelo says !Gawaxab was supposed to sue him considering the corruption allegations he had made about him.

“Seeing that I failed to meet the deadline, I guess I will be seeing him in court very soon,” Amushelelo says.

His lawyer, Kadhila Amoomo, on Facebook said: “We continue to assist Amushelelo with legal representation, because we know his work is important in our society. A society without activism will be consumed by those who have power to do what they please. We will update you on this issue.”