Festus Mbandeka

Also known as: attorney general Mbandeka · Attorney general Festus Mbandeka · Attorney-General Festus Mbandeka

Attorney General of Namibia who condemned the fatal attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda and has sought legal review of government licence decisions.

2022-10-292026-08-21

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

June 2026
14 JunThe Namibian
Festus Mbandeka serves as attorney 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.”
Editorial: Shadow Attorney General?
May 2026
11 MayWindhoek Observer
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka issued legal advice on 24 March 2026 stating the 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.”
Education ministry wants out of Chicco building deal …as it pays N$1.1 million monthly for empty building
April 2026
17 AprNew Era
Attorney General Festus Mbandeka asked the High Court to dismiss an 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.”
Fishermen and AG on collision course …Mbandeka wants the case dismissed
February 2026
17 FebThe Namibian
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka said assault 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.”
Justine Shiweda: The Ondangwa prosecutor killed for doing her job
13 FebThe Namibian
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka has condemned the 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.”
We shall make sure Justine didn’t die in vain, attorney general Mbandeka says
March 2025
5 MarThe Namibian
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka issued legal opinion dated 19 December 2024 requiring payment to Enercon
Source
“The N$60-million payment was only made after a legal opinion from attorney general Festus Mbandeka forced Shivute's hand.”
N$60-million payout to Enercon despite fuel delivery failure sparks controversy

Mining & Energy

President opposes marine phosphate mining approval in Atlantic

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly objects to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti's approval of an environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper project to mine for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean, saying Namibia should not be used for an ocean experiment. The president held a meeting with senior government officials this week to express concerns about the decision made without apparent consultation on a matter of massive public interest.

12 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 12 August

President opposes marine phosphate mining approval in Atlantic
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly objects to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti's approval of an environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper project to mine for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean, saying Namibia should not be used for an ocean experiment. The president held a meeting with senior government officials this week to express concerns about the decision made without apparent consultation on a matter of massive public interest.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 14 June

Editorial: President's nephew appointment risks governance concerns
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.
14 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 9 June

Ex-mayor defends president's appointment of relative as adviser
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.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 8 June

President appoints retired relative as legal adviser
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.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 11 May

Education ministry seeks to cancel costly empty building lease
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.
11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 17 April

Attorney General seeks dismissal of fishermen quota court case
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.
17 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 February

Ondangwa prosecutor killed after attacking case dies from injuries
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.
17 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 14 February

Namibians gather to mourn slain prosecutor Justine Shiweda
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.
14 February 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 13 February

Attorney General condemns killing of prosecutor Shiweda
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.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 26 January

President orders legal review of Paragon Oil licence renewal
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.
26 January 2026 · The Namibian →