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June 2026
The Namibian
Festus Mbandekaserves asattorney general
Source
“President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's decision to appoint a relative, Chris Nghaamwa, as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka could pose a governance dilemma.”
Attorney general Festus Mbandekaissued legal advice on 24 March 2026 statingthe government has no lawful basis to cancel the agreement unilaterally without material breach or mutual agreement
Source
“The meeting reviewed legal advice issued by attorney general Festus Mbandeka on 24 March 2026.”
Attorney General Festus Mbandekaasked the High Court to dismissan application by the Okapare Fishermen Association
Source
“Attorney General Festus Mbandeka has asked the High Court to dismiss an application brought by the Okapare Fishermen Association, arguing the applicant lacks locus standi.”
Attorney general Festus Mbandekasaidassault on Shiweda was the first of its kind in Namibia
Source
“Attorney general Festus Mbandeka last week said that although there have been attacks on prosecutors in the past, the assault on Shiweda was the first of its kind in Namibia.”
Attorney general Festus Mbandekahas condemnedthe killing of Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda as a targeted attack on the rule of law
Source
“Attorney general Festus Mbandeka has condemned the killing of Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, describing it as a targeted attack on the rule of law and Namibia's democratic institutions.”
The Namibian editorial criticizes President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of her nephew Chris Nghaamwa as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka, arguing it amounts to creating a "shadow attorney general" that could usurp the AG's constitutional powers and feeds concerns about presidential relatives in government roles.
Why it matters
President's appointment of her nephew as adviser to attorney general raises serious governance and accountability concerns amid criticism of presidential nepotism.
The Namibian editorial criticizes President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of her nephew Chris Nghaamwa as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka, arguing it amounts to creating a "shadow attorney general" that could usurp the AG's constitutional powers and feeds concerns about presidential relatives in government roles.
Former Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu has defended President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of her retired relative Chris Nghaamwa as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka, saying there is nothing wrong with appointing a qualified individual regardless of family ties. The appointment has drawn criticism from opposition leader McHenry Venaani, who said it undermines confidence in governance.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed retired chief legal adviser Chris Nghaamwa, her relative, as an adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka effective 1 June. State House defended the appointment, stating Nghaamwa's qualifications and experience in government legal roles made him suitable, and that family relationships do not render individuals unsuitable for public service.
The Ministry of Education has sought legal advice to cancel a lease agreement for an unoccupied Independence Avenue building that has cost the state N$1.1 million monthly since 2024. The building, leased from northern businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba since December 2023, was found unsuitable for office use and remains empty.
The Attorney General has asked the High Court to dismiss an application by the Okapare Fishermen Association, arguing the applicants lack legal standing to bring the case. The association has sought relief over fishing quota allocations, employment disputes, and alleged constitutional violations dating back to 2014.
Justine Shiweda, 32, an Ondangwa Magistrate's Court control prosecutor, died in a Windhoek hospital a week ago from injuries sustained in an October attack in which she was shot and doused with corrosive substance in front of her children. Six suspects were arrested; her death has prompted legal fraternity calls for urgent changes to prosecutors' working conditions and safety, with officials noting this was the first killing of a prosecutor in Namibia for performing their duties.
State prosecutor Justine Shiweda was mourned at a memorial service in Onambango village near Ondangwa on Friday, attended by the Prime Minister representing the President, along with cabinet ministers, senior officials, and traditional leaders, ahead of his burial.
Attorney General Festus Mbandeka has condemned the fatal attack on Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, calling it a targeted assault on the rule of law and Namibia's democratic institutions. Shiweda was shot and doused with acid on 17 October while preparing for work; six suspects have been arrested, and the government has initiated security measures for judicial officers.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has asked the attorney general to review the circumstances surrounding Paragon Oil & Gas' petroleum exploration licence (PEL 37) renewal, which was granted for four years despite regulations limiting third renewals to two years. The licence resurfaced as a controversy when former mines minister Natangwe Ithete was fired last year, allegedly for approving the renewal against the president's wishes.