Thursday, 22 October 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hourWork with us

Thursday, 22 October 2026

Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—

Namibian press · Person

Joas Neemwatya

2026-01-212026-10-22

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Joas Neemwatya

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

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

October 2026
11 OctThe Namibian
Joas Neemwatya denied that Uirab told Khuwiseb about other people involved
Source
“Uirab is denying that he told that to Khuwiseb, defence lawyer Joas Neemwatya, who is representing Uirab, told Khuwiseb during cross-examination.”
Doctor describes mutilation of murdered woman’s body
September 2026
30 SeptInformanté
Joas Neemwatya said he would oppose application to have unsworn translator sworn in
Source
“The lawyer representing Hangula, Joas Neemwatya, said that he would oppose the application to have the translator sworn in, as the bundle of documents presented to him, which the State claimed to have translated, was done by a translator who had not been sworn in.”
Terrorism case postponed to November as State seeks swearing-in of translator
24 SeptInformanté
Joas Neemwatya alleged that Selah Professional Linguistic Services knowingly used an unqualified translator, amounting to fraud
Source
“Neemwatya said that if the company, which had been paid about N$500 000, knowingly used a translator who is not duly qualified, it amounts to fraud and misrepresentation.”
Translation hiccups hold up terrorism trial
August 2026
20 AugInformanté
Joas Neemwatya accepted the proposal to translate the Arabic documents
Source
“The lawyer representing Hangula, Joas Neemwatya, accepted the proposal to translate the Arabic documents, which is expected to take 10 working days.”
NamPol to cough up half a million for Arabic translations in terrorism case
4 AugInformanté
Joas Neemwatya cross-examined Chief Inspector Kuutondokwa on 8 June 2026
Source
“On 8 June 2026, Beeth's lawyer, Joas Neemwatya, cross-examined Chief Inspector Kuutondokwa, the officer to whom the confession was made.”
Court dismisses recusal application of murder accused
July 2026
23 JulThe Namibian
Defence lawyer Joas Neemwatya requested English translations of Arabic evidence from the state
Source
“Defence lawyer Joas Neemwatya told deputy judge president Hannelie Prinsloo during an appearance by Hangula (33) in the High Court at Windhoek Correctional Facility yesterday that he needs English translations of material written in Arabic that forms part of the disclosed police docket of Hangula's case.”
Translations of Arabic evidence  wanted in terrorism case
22 JulInformanté
Joas Neemwatya stated that evidence relied upon is in Arabic without translation
Source
“Neemwatya said that whilst he was provided with a discovery bundle of all the evidence the State seeks to use against Hangula, some of the evidence relied upon is in Arabic.”
High Court judge defers secret trial application in terrorism case
17 JulWindhoek Observer
Joas Neemwatya confirmed the contents of Hangula's affidavit insofar as they relate to him via confirmatory affidavit
Source
“Hangula's application is supported by a confirmatory affidavit from his legal practitioner, Joas Neemwatya, who confirms the contents of the accused's affidavit insofar as they relate to him.”
Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony in his terrorism trial
16 JulInformanté
Joas Neemwatya is Hangula's new legal representative
Source
“In a notice of motion, Hangula's new legal representative, Joas Neemwatya, is asking the High Court to dismiss an application by the State to have the matter heard "in camera" and further requests that evidence from the alleged Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent from the United States be given and heard in open court.”
Terrorism accused Hangula opposes secret court hearing
June 2026
24 JunInformanté
Joas Neemwatya said he would bring an application to have accused persons released on bail
Source
“During court proceedings held on 24 June 2026, lawyer Joas Neemwatya, who represents accused number eight, Otniel Shuudifonya, also said that he would bring an application to have the court mero motu release the accused persons on bail, claiming that their fair trial rights have been compromised.”
Shanghala petitions Supreme Court to determine issue of judge removal

Society

Doctor testifies to post-mortem mutilation in murder trial

The News

A pathologist testified in Windhoek High Court that the body of Lydia Kharises (23), found killed in Dordabis in late 2021, had been carefully mutilated with a sharp object after death, including removal of pubic skin and her uterus. The trial of Herold Uirab (37), accused of murdering Kharises on a farm in Dordabis, is ongoing; he pleaded guilty to murder and obstruction of justice but denies rape and violating a dead human body.

11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 11 October

Doctor testifies to post-mortem mutilation in murder trial
A pathologist testified in Windhoek High Court that the body of Lydia Kharises (23), found killed in Dordabis in late 2021, had been carefully mutilated with a sharp object after death, including removal of pubic skin and her uterus. The trial of Herold Uirab (37), accused of murdering Kharises on a farm in Dordabis, is ongoing; he pleaded guilty to murder and obstruction of justice but denies rape and violating a dead human body.
11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 30 September

Terrorism case postponed as State seeks sworn Arabic translator
The terrorism case of Jona Hangula, who is accused of conspiring to overthrow the Namibian state and establish an Islamic government between 2015 and 2020, has been postponed to 27 November 2026. The State Prosecutor seeks to have an Arabic translator sworn in for the High Court after it emerged that a translator who rendered 1,500 pages of Arabic to English was not a sworn High Court translator; Hangula's lawyer opposes the application.
30 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 24 September

Jona Hangula terrorism trial postponed over translation irregularities
The terrorism case against Jona Hangula, accused of conspiring to overthrow the government and establish an Islamic state between 2015 and 2020, has been postponed after his lawyer flagged irregularities in Arabic-to-English translations commissioned by Selah Professional Linguistic Services for about N$500,000. The defence claims the translator used is not qualified for the subject matter, while prosecutors said they were unaware of the issue; the court adjourned to 29 September to allow the State to investigate.
24 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 23 August

Terrorism case translation quoted at N$462,000
A company has quoted N$462,000 to translate evidence from Arabic into English for a terrorism and high treason case involving accused Jona Hangula in the High Court, with the Namibian Police responsible for the cost and a procurement process required before the work can begin.
23 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 20 August

NamPol to pay N$500,000 for Arabic translations in terrorism case
The Namibian Police Force's Procurement Unit has been ordered to pay N$500,000 for translation of Arabic documents in the High Court terrorism case involving Jona Hangula, after a lack of available court-admitted Arabic translators prompted the procurement of private translation services.
20 August 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 4 August

High Court judge refuses recusal in murder trial
Judge Dinah Usiku has dismissed a recusal application in the murder trial of Roger Beeth, who is charged with killing his girlfriend in Gobabis in March 2023. Usiku ruled there was no convincing evidence that the court was biased.
4 August 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 23 July

Defence seeks English translations of Arabic evidence in terrorism case
Jona Hangula's defence lawyer has requested the state provide English translations of Arabic evidence in a pending High Court terrorism case. Hangula, 33, faces 19 charges including high treason, terrorism, and funding terrorist activities, and is the first person charged under Namibia's Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Act of 2014.
23 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 July

High Court defers in-camera ruling in terrorism trial case
High Court judge Hannelie Prinsloo has deferred a judgment on the State's application for a closed-door hearing in the trial of Jona Hangula, a 32-year-old accused of working with ISIS and Boko Haram to allegedly overthrow the Namibian government. The in-camera application will be decided by the trial judge once assigned to the case; the matter was postponed to 20 August 2026 pending translation of Arabic-language evidence documents.
22 July 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 17 July

Terrorism accused Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony
Jona Hangula, accused under Namibia's Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Act, has asked the High Court to reject the State's application for closed-door testimony from an alleged FBI agent, arguing it would breach his right to a fair trial. He proposes the witness testify remotely via Zoom or Teams in open court, with his family, friends, church members, and full legal team permitted to attend.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony in terrorism trial
Terrorism-accused Jona Hangula has filed a motion opposing the prosecution's request to hear FBI agent testimony behind closed doors, arguing the proceedings should remain open to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair trial. Hangula proposes the witness testify remotely without video and requests that his family, friends, and entire legal team be allowed to attend.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 16 July

Terrorism-accused Hangula opposes secret court proceedings
Jona Hangula, 32, accused of working with ISIS and Boko Haram to overthrow the Namibian government, has filed a motion opposing the State's request for "in camera" (private) court proceedings. His legal representative is asking the High Court to dismiss the application for closed hearings and requests that evidence from an alleged FBI agent be presented in open court.
16 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 24 June

Shanghala petitions Supreme Court over judge removal in corruption trial
Former Justice Minister Sackeus Shanghala and co-accused James Hatuikulipi have filed a Supreme Court petition seeking the removal of Judge Marelize du Plessis from their fisheries and corruption trial, after she dismissed their recusal application in March 2026. A lawyer for another accused has also indicated plans to apply for bail release, citing compromised fair trial rights and inadequate consultation facilities.
24 June 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 6 May

Fishrot case: accused's appeal attempt struck off roll
An appeal filed by Fishrot accused Otneel Shuudifonya against a postponement ruling was struck off the High Court roll at Windhoek Correctional Facility after the acting judge found his notice for leave to appeal did not comply with Criminal Procedure Act requirements.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 April

Windhoek High Court strikes down Swapo eviction bid
The Windhoek High Court has struck Swapo's urgent application to evict a group of people camping at the party's national headquarters since October last year off the court roll, with the judge finding it did not meet the requirements for an urgent hearing. The group, led by Matheus Nangolo, are demanding clarification about funds allegedly provided by the United Nations for the repatriation of Namibian exiles in 1989.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

High Court dismisses Swapo's bid to evict camping ex-combatants
Windhoek High Court Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed Swapo's urgent application to evict war veterans camping at its headquarters, ruling the application lacked urgency. The veterans, who have occupied the site since October 2025, are demanding payment of benefits from the 1989 liberation struggle that they say remains unresolved.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Fishrot trial should proceed despite ongoing appeals, defence argues
A defence lawyer representing one of ten accused in the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial has argued to the High Court that proceedings should continue while appeals against earlier rulings are pursued, citing delays since 2021 and the constitutional right to trial within a reasonable period. Other defence lawyers largely supported the argument, though one disagreed, and the judge is scheduled to hear further oral arguments on 24 April.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 April

Fishrot trial postponed as recusal application stays proceedings
The Fishrot case has been postponed to 24 April 2026 as former justice minister Sakeus Shanghala pursues leave to appeal a ruling dismissing his request for Judge Marelize du Plessis to recuse herself. Ricardo Gustavo's lawyer argues the repeated delays infringe the accused's right to a speedy trial and violate constitutional rights.
16 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 14 April

Fishrot trial stalls as court grapples with legal procedure dispute
Proceedings in the high-profile corruption trial of former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and others have stalled over a disagreement about which of two competing appeals applications should be heard first—a recusal challenge or a stay-of-proceedings request. The court has adjourned until 5 May 2026 to resolve the procedural impasse.
14 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 24 March

Judge Du Plessis refuses to step down from Fishrot trial
Acting judge Marilize du Plessis rejected an application by two accused in the Fishrot fraud and corruption case to recuse herself, finding that her factual observations about trial delays did not demonstrate bias and that her acquaintance with two state witnesses would not affect her impartiality.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

Bail application in magistrate murder case transferred to Ondangwa
A Windhoek magistrate has transferred the bail application of two suspects charged with the murder of Ondangwa Prosecutor Justine Shiweda to the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court, rejecting defence requests to withdraw charges despite similar charges being pursued in Ondangwa. A third accused police officer facing graft charges will have his case separated and return to court in March 2026.
6 March 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 23 February

Walvis Bay stepfather sentenced 30 years for murdering five-year-old
Riddick Narib was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for the brutal murder of his five-year-old stepson Dantali Eiseb in Walvis Bay in January 2023. Narib admitted to repeatedly striking the boy with a brick and cutting him with a knife, and told the court he committed the act to hurt the boy's mother, with whom he was in a failed marriage.
23 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 February

Walvis Bay man sentenced to 30 years for stepson's murder
A 33-year-old Walvis Bay resident was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment by High Court Judge Naomi Shivute for the brutal assault and killing of his five-year-old stepson in January 2023. Judge Shivute said the accused, who suspected the boy's mother of infidelity, had no right to commit murder and noted his subsequent torment of the mother through text messages compounded the crime.
20 February 2026 · New Era →

Friday 13 February

Gustavo opposes Shanghala's attempt to remove judge from Fishrot case
Ricardo Gustavo's legal team says they will "oppose vehemently" an application by former attorney general Sacky Shanghala and co-accused James Hatuikulipi to have High Court judge Marilize du Plessis step down from the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial. Shanghala claims Du Plessis showed bias through remarks suggesting the accused were using delaying tactics, but the state is also opposing the recusal application, with arguments scheduled for 9 March.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 29 January

Man convicted of murdering five-year-old stepson in Walvis Bay
Riddick Melchior /Narib has been found guilty of murdering five-year-old Dantali Wilfried Eiseb on 6 January 2023, after assaulting the child with a brick in the dunes of Narraville and burying him in a shallow grave. /Narib pleaded guilty to murder and to defeating the course of justice, and was convicted by High Court Judge Naomi Shivute.
29 January 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 21 January

Shanghala challenges prosecutor fees as unfair trial issue
Former Justice Minister Sackeus Shanghala has criticized the state's decision to pay prosecutors N$1.5 million in the Fishrot corruption case while denying similar funding to defence counsel, arguing it violates fair trial principles and creates unequal arms between prosecution and defence. The High Court has postponed the matter to 21 January 2026 for a ruling on the remuneration dispute and whether the trial should be postponed.
21 January 2026 · Informanté →