Also known as: prosecutor general Imalwa · prosecutor general Martha Imalwa · Acting Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa · Olivia Martha Imalwa · Advocate Martha Imalwa · Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa
Acting prosecutor general securing asset freezes and property preservation orders in fraud, drug trafficking, and corruption cases; planning to exit office year-end 2026.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa applied for the provisional property preservation order in December 2024
“Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa applied for the provisional property preservation order in December 2024, after the Namibian Police received information from the South African Police Service about alleged illegal coal mining at a farm in the area of Carolina in South Africa's Mpumalanga province.”
N$49.4m frozen in Namibian accounts over illegal coal mining in SAThe Namibian
Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa says the transfer of three prosecutors from Ondangwa Magistrate Court intended to help them recover from trauma of Justine Shiweda's murder
“Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa says the transfer of three prosecutors from the Ondangwa Magistrate Court is intended to help them recover from the trauma of colleague Justine Shiweda's murder.”
Prosecutor Shiweda’s colleagues move office to ‘heal’Informanté
Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa brought forth a forfeiture application to seize a vehicle linked to alleged diamond scammer
“THE Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa, has brought forth a forfeiture application in which she seeks to permanently seize a vehicle linked to a man who allegedly scammed an American of close to N$1 million in a fake diamond sale.”
Prosecutor General seeks to attach vehicle linked to alleged diamond scammerThe Namibian
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa secured a property preservation order freezing N$3.5 million in bank accounts
“Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has secured a property preservation order freezing N$3.5 million held in two bank accounts belonging to Burundian national Asani Niyonzima (26).”
N$3.5m frozen in alleged drug money caseThe Namibian
Imalwa alleges officers found 11 doses of cocaine in Niyonzima's possession
“Imalwa alleges the officers found 11 doses of cocaine in his possession.”
N$3.5m frozen in alleged drug money caseThe Namibian
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3.2 million held in Yan Qiang's bank account
“Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3,2 million held in the bank account of Yan Qiang, a Chinese businessman.”
Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa freezes Chinese businessman’s accountThe Namibian
Martha Imalwa confirmed she was aware of the maintenance officer's case
“Speaking to The Namibian last week, prosecutor general Martha Imalwa confirmed she was aware of the maintenance officer's case, but said it was not registered under her.”
Lawyer faces criminal case after death threatInformanté
Martha Imalwa won a court battle and was granted final preservation of property order for seizure of funds
“THE Acting Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa, has won a court battle and has been granted a final preservation of property order for the seizure of funds in a NamPost Limited account held in the name of northern businessman Andalberd Uugwanga Shilongo, who was defrauded of N$2.2 million in an insurance fraud scam targeting his Momentum Metropolitan Namibia life savings.”
Prosecutor General freezes over N$200k in insurance fraud case involving northern businessmanThe Namibian
Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa alleges that the application is part of sustained obstruction and delay strategy
“In an affidavit filed at the court, prosecutor general Martha Imalwa alleges that the application of Shanghala and his three co-accused "is part of a sustained strategy of obstruction and delay", which she says should not be allowed by the court.”
Fishrot civil case judge recuses himself over ACC chief friendshipThe Namibian
Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa approached the High Court seeking a preservation of property order to freeze money in alleged drug dealer's bank account
“Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has approached the High Court seeking a preservation of property order to freeze money held in a Standard Bank account belonging to alleged drug dealer Edward Kambahe.”
Imalwa targets alleged drug dealer’s bank accountA Namibian High Court judge has confirmed a property preservation order freezing N$49.4 million in eight bank accounts belonging to Jacobus and Elza Jordaan and their entities, following allegations of illegal coal mining at their farm in South Africa's Mpumalanga province from November 2021 to September 2023.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A Namibian High Court judge has confirmed a property preservation order freezing N$49.4 million in eight bank accounts belonging to Jacobus and Elza Jordaan and their entities, following allegations of illegal coal mining at their farm in South Africa's Mpumalanga province from November 2021 to September 2023.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Office of the Judiciary has transferred three prosecutors and two magistrates from the Ondangwa Magistrate Court to help them recover emotionally after colleague Justine Shiweda was murdered. Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa said the transfers aim to provide staff with a different environment to cope with trauma and stress from the incident.
22 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Prosecutor General has filed a forfeiture application to permanently seize a red Volkswagen Golf valued at N$160,000 linked to a man alleged to have scammed an American investor of approximately N$728,044.50 through a fake diamond sale using false identities.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has secured a property preservation order freezing N$3.5 million in bank accounts belonging to Burundian national Asani Niyonzima, 26, following his January arrest on cocaine charges in Klein Windhoek. Imalwa alleges the funds are linked to drug dealing, money laundering, and tax evasion, citing a sudden influx of cash exceeding N$3.5 million between 2023 and early 2026, though Niyonzima claims the money came from legitimate business activities.
13 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3.2 million held in the account of Chinese businessman Yan Qiang, alleging the funds are proceeds of illegal abalone trading, money laundering, and immigration fraud. The case stems from May discovery of 512 frozen abalone at a Windhoek supermarket.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Joshua Kaumbi, a Windhoek-based lawyer and politician, faces three criminal charges—assault by threat, common assault, and assault with intent to do bodily harm—after allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill a child maintenance officer handling his case in July. He has not been arrested pending evidential documents from the doctor, and has denied the allegations while opening a counter-case.
29 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has obtained a Prevention of Organised Crime Act property restraint order in respect of fugitive lawyer Marén de Klerk's assets valued at up to N$75.3 million, as well as assets valued at up to N$2.3 million in respect of the close corporation Moyo Estates. De Klerk, who left Namibia in January 2020 and is believed to be living in South Africa, is wanted in connection with the Fishrot fraud case involving alleged illegal allocation of Namibian fishing quotas.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Acting Prosecutor General has secured a court order freezing funds in a NamPost account belonging to a northern businessman who was defrauded of N$2.2 million in an insurance fraud scheme targeting his Momentum Metropolitan Namibia life savings.
6 July 2026 · Informanté →
Judge Boas Usiku recused himself from hearing a wide-ranging application by four Fishrot fraud and corruption accused in the Windhoek High Court after determining that his friendship with ACC director general Paulus Noa could create a view of bias. The application, in which the accused seek to restrain the prosecutor general from continuing their criminal prosecution until their civil case is decided, was postponed to 9 July.
5 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The prosecutor general has approached the High Court for a preservation of property order to freeze money in a Standard Bank account belonging to alleged drug dealer Edward Kambahe, following an unexplained wealth order granted in February and a police interception of a vehicle carrying 1.912 kilograms of cannabis valued at about N$95,600.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece critiques the Judicial Service Commission's process for appointing a prosecutor general, noting that all eight candidates failed the examination and raising concerns about the selection process's credibility, the justice system's slowness, and the need for candidates with management skills and demonstrated impartiality.
16 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian editorial argues that senior officials—advisers, executive directors, chief executives and civil servants—have a duty to speak truth to power and not remain silent to stay close to authority, citing the upcoming transitions of the prosecutor general and Anti-Corruption Commission director general.
14 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Martha Imalwa, the acting prosecutor general, says she is looking forward to leaving office at the end of the year. The Judicial Service Commission has restarted recruitment for a substantive prosecutor general after none of the eight shortlisted candidates met the required standard in a written assessment.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
An editorial argues that the recruitment of Namibia's next Prosecutor-General following Advocate Martha Imalwa's departure at year-end is a test of the country's commitment to transparency and the rule of law, and that the Judicial Service Commission must complete the process in a timely and professional manner.
11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Judicial Service Commission has abandoned its shortlisted candidates for Prosecutor-General after all eight failed a written assessment designed to test legal knowledge and analytical ability; the highest score was 49%, below the required 50% pass mark.
11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Judicial Service Commission found that none of the eight shortlisted candidates for prosecutor general met the required standard in a written assessment, forcing the commission to restart the recruitment process. The candidates achieved scores between 30% and 49%, failing to demonstrate the level of legal knowledge and competency expected for the position.
10 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Six of 16 individuals accused of human trafficking and operating an international cryptocurrency scheme have been traced to China after absconding from Namibia, though authorities have not yet commenced locating their exact location, the court heard.
21 May 2026 · New Era →
Five legal professionals have been shortlisted for the position of prosecutor general as incumbent Martha Imalwa's tenure ends. The candidates include former deputy prosecutor general Taswald July, former prosecutor Salomon Kanyemba, chief prosecutor Lucious Matota, and deputy prosecutors general Henry Muhongo and Ruben Shileka.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Richard Masule Milinga and Grant Charmon Cloete, accused of fraud and using office for gratification in connection with the alleged theft of a Roads Authority weighbridge in Walvis Bay valued over N$2 million, have had their case postponed to 20 August 2026 pending the Prosecutor General's decision on whether to proceed to trial. Both men, released on N$30,000 bail each, also face charges of fraud or theft relating to fraudulent certification of a suspicious invoice valued over N$3 million.
22 April 2026 · Informanté →
A culpable homicide case has been registered after Omaheke regional police commander Commissioner Heinrich Tjiveze struck a pedestrian in Witvlei on 4 April. The victim, Otto Giovani Daniel, aged 23, was killed in the collision; police say he was walking in the middle of the road at the time, and investigations are ongoing.
13 April 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order preventing those accused in the Fishrot corruption case from accessing forfeited assets, rejecting an appeal by former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelulo. The court found that the Anti-Corruption Commission had proper authority to conduct the investigation and that the restraint order remains valid pending the outcome of the criminal trial, which is scheduled to recommence in March 2026.
8 April 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by three Fishrot accused—former attorney general Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo—challenging the prosecutor general's use of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act to seize their assets. The court upheld the High Court's restraint order covering bank funds, properties, vehicles, and luxury goods, finding that the prosecutor general may rely on Anti-Corruption Commission evidence rather than police investigations alone.
7 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tjizake Murangi, a former gym instructor, made his first appearance in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday, accused of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend Frieda Amadhila eight times in her apartment in April 2024. The prosecutor general decided to try him in the upper court due to the seriousness of the crime; he remains in custody after being denied bail and a pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for 28 April.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The trial of two suspects in the Namdia diamond heist, in which N$345 million in diamonds were stolen and two people died, has stalled as police conduct joint investigations across multiple jurisdictions in Noordoewer, Keetmanshoop, and Windhoek. The Prosecutor General's final decision on whether to proceed to trial has been delayed pending completion of these investigations and recovery of related dockets.
20 March 2026 · Informanté →
Social activist Michael Amushelelo and business partner Gregory Cloete have asked the High Court to consolidate 360 fraud and money laundering charges against them, claiming several counts are duplications. The two face allegations of defrauding investors through an investment scheme known as Project One Million between 2018 and 2019.
19 March 2026 · New Era →
The Supreme Court of Namibia has declined to review Salmaan Jacobs's application to overturn a High Court ruling that found him guilty of corruption; Jacobs, the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, is set to appear in Keetmanshoop Regional Court on 12 May 2026 for sentencing after the High Court in November 2025 found him guilty of using his former office as CRO of //Kharas Region to transfer N$30,000 to a company owned by himself and his wife under false pretenses.
3 March 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa eulogized the late Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda at her memorial service, saying her commitment to impartial justice made her a target and that her legacy will strengthen the courts. Shiweda died last week from injuries sustained in an October attack; six suspects are in custody.
14 February 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
A Grootfontein control prosecutor has received a threatening note warning him to transfer or face violent consequences, Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa confirmed. The matter has been reported to police, and the ministry of justice is implementing additional safety measures for judicial officers, though details remain undisclosed to prevent criminals exploiting security information.
11 February 2026 · New Era →