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 described the crime as brutal and barbaric during sentencing
“Judge Claudia Claasen said this during the killer's sentencing in the Windhoek High Court on Friday.”
Sheep-shears murder was barbaric, judge saysThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Shaun Tieties to 33 years in prison
“Judge Claudia Claasen sentenced Shaun Tieties (39) in the Windhoek High Court, where he admitted guilt on counts of murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempting to obstruct the course of justice four weeks ago.”
Hardap killer sentenced to 33 years in prisonThe Namibian
Judge Claudia Claasen granted an order against Jessé Strauss prohibiting dealing in 146,057 Standard Bank Namibia Holdings shares
“Judge Claudia Claasen on Friday granted an order against Strauss in the urgent application.”
Stockbroking firm Simonis Storm alleges theft of shares worth N$9mJonas 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 →