Windhoek High Court judge who presides over serious criminal cases including murder, rape, and arson convictions.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Judge Claudia Claasen
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen postponed the sentencing of Jonas Murao to 30 October
“Judge Claudia Claasen postponed the sentencing of Jonas Murao (47) to 30 October after hearing final oral arguments from deputy prosecutor general Dominic Lisulo, representing the state, and defence lawyer Peru Liebenberg yesterday.”
Sentencing in baby-rape trial at end of OctoberThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen found guilty on a charge of murder Piet Gamaseb
“Judge Claudia Claasen found Piet Gamaseb (49) guilty on a count of murder, read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, in the Windhoek High Court on Wednesday.”
Outjo man guilty of murdering partnerNamibian Sun
Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Bock to 15 years in prison
The Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen dismissed application after finding government already considering new cannabis legislation
“Judge Claudia Claasen dismissed the application after finding the government is already considering new legislation on cannabis, making it premature for the court to intervene.”
Dagga group’s high hopes not up in smoke yetThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen decided to step down from the trial in November last year
“Claasen decided to step down from the trial in November last year, after Shipanga had been ordered to undergo a period of psychiatric evaluation.”
Guard accused of B1 murder disrupts courtThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen decided to recuse herself from his trial after a psychiatrist included inappropriate extracts in a report
“Claasen decided to recuse herself from his trial after a psychiatrist who completed a report on his mental state included extracts from witness statements that were not yet part of the evidence before the court in the report to the court.”
Guard accused of B1 murder disrupts courtInformanté
Judge Claudia Claasen presided over Venonja's trial
“IMMANUEL Venonja, a 25-year-old man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death, started his trial in the Windhoek High Court today and pleaded not guilty before Judge Claudia Claasen.”
Man accused of murdering girlfriend in Otavi denies guiltThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Mecthilde Karomo to 35 years' imprisonment
“Judge Claudia Claasen made the remark before sentencing Mecthilde Karomo (34) to an effective period of 35 years' imprisonment.”
35 years in prison for woman on murder, arson chargesInformanté
Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Karomo to 32 years on each of two murder counts and 3 years on arson
“Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Karomo to 32 years' imprisonment on each of two counts of murder and ordered that those sentences be served concurrently.”
Karomo sentenced to 35 years for killing ex-boyfriend and partnerThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Karomo to 32 years on each murder count, concurrent, and 3 years on arson
“Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Karomo to 32 years' imprisonment on each of two counts of murder, and ordered that those sentences should be served concurrently. She also sentenced Karomo to a jail term of three years on a charge of arson.”
Windhoek woman gets 35 years in prison on murder, arson chargesJonas Murao, a Hardap region farmworker convicted on six charges including the rape of a four-month-old baby, is scheduled for sentencing in the Windhoek High Court on 30 October. Judge Claudia Claasen found him guilty of housebreaking, rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault following events at Hoachanas between 2008 and 2016.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Jonas Murao, a Hardap region farmworker convicted on six charges including the rape of a four-month-old baby, is scheduled for sentencing in the Windhoek High Court on 30 October. Judge Claudia Claasen found him guilty of housebreaking, rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault following events at Hoachanas between 2008 and 2016.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Judge Claudia Claasen convicted Piet Gamaseb of murder, read with the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, for the March 2022 fatal assault on his domestic partner Davie Hanes (28) at Outjo. Hanes died from head injuries including skull fractures and brain injuries; Gamaseb claimed she fell during an argument, but the court heard she also sustained rib fractures.
18 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Sun reports on the backgrounds of Johannes Bock (21) and Sara Jonker, two young people from Gochas whose lives were marked by poverty, broken education, and limited opportunity before their circumstances ended in tragedy. Both grew up in challenging conditions—Jonker left school in Grade 6 unable to afford a uniform and took on household duties after her grandmother's death, while Bock attended school for only a month before joining his father in farm work—and both had been drinking on the day their lives changed forever.
1 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Windhoek High Court dismissed an application by the Ganja Users of Namibia to legalise cannabis, ruling that ongoing government legislative reviews make judicial intervention premature. The group says it will intensify efforts to push for cannabis law reform and hold the government accountable to its commitment to review the cannabis laws.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →
A former security guard accused of robbing and murdering a colleague while transporting cash was removed from a Windhoek High Court trial after repeatedly disrupting proceedings by claiming he was not charged and that his rights were violated. The judge recorded pleas of not guilty on his behalf in his absence.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Immanuel Venonja, 25, pleaded not guilty in the Windhoek High Court to the murder of Elisabeth Uwu-Khaes, whom he allegedly stabbed in the back at a bar in Otavi on 31 May 2024. Uwu-Khaes died from her injuries on 1 June 2024; the state alleges Venonja also prevented bystanders from taking her for medical help.
2 June 2026 · Informanté →
Mecthilde Karomo was sentenced to 35 years' imprisonment after being convicted of murdering her boyfriend Leonard Haupindi and Anastasia Matende by setting Haupindi's house on fire in Okahandja Park, Windhoek on 26 December 2022. The judge noted Karomo acted with "utter indifference" after starting the deadly blaze, driven by anger and jealousy.
1 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Mecthilde Karomo (34) was sentenced in the Windhoek High Court to 35 years in prison for the murder of her ex-boyfriend Leonard Haupindi (36) and his new partner Anastasia Matende (31) after she set Haupindi's house on fire on 26 December 2022. Karomo was sentenced to 32 years on each of two counts of murder to be served concurrently, plus three years for arson.
29 May 2026 · Informanté →
Mecthilde Karomo, 34, was sentenced to an effective 35 years' imprisonment after being convicted of murdering two people by setting a house on fire in Windhoek on 26 December 2022. Judge Claudia Claasen imposed 32 years on each of two murder counts (served concurrently) and three years for arson.
29 May 2026 · The Namibian →