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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Supreme Court

Also known as: Supreme Court in Angola · US Supreme Court · Supreme Court of the Republic of Namibia · Supreme Court in Windhoek · Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court — Namibia's highest court, which issues binding rulings on appeals from lower courts in cases ranging from fraud and corruption to regulatory and administrative matters.

2018-10-052026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. February 2025

  2. The Namibian

    Supreme Court may issue conflicting rulings on opposition challenge

    Source

    “If the Supreme Court and Electoral Court issue conflicting rulings on the opposition challenge, it could create uncertainty and deepen perceptions that the judiciary is being drawn into political disputes.”

    Courts Should Not Be Political Battleground
  3. December 2024

  4. The Namibian

    Supreme Court observed in a 2020 judgement that elections are not perfect instruments for upholding democracy

    Source

    “In a 2020 judgement, the Supreme Court aptly observed that elections are not perfect instruments for upholding democracy's promises, yet they remain necessary for delegating the public's inherent power to its representatives.”

    Why Namibia Needs a New Approach to Presidential Elections
  5. July 2024

  6. The Namibian

    Supreme Court set aside convictions and sent case back to High Court for retrial in July 2013

    Source

    “The Supreme Court set aside their convictions and sent their case back to the High Court for a retrial in July 2013, after finding that the judge who presided over the first trial should have recused himself from the matter when he was asked to do so following his dismissal of a jurisdiction challenge raised by the accused.”

    Seven guilty of treason in Caprivi secession case
  7. March 2024

  8. The Namibian

    Supreme Court ordered criminal files and charges be referred to prosecutor general

    Source

    “Now it has taken the Supreme Court to order that criminal files and charges be referred to the prosecutor general.”

    The SME Bank Disgrace
  9. January 2024

  10. The Namibian

    Supreme Court denied Kenneth Eugene Smith a last-minute reprieve

    Source

    “On Thursday night, the Supreme Court denied him a last-minute reprieve.”

    Kenneth Eugene Smith: Alabama carries out first nitrogen gas execution

  11. The Namibian

    US Supreme Court declined to block nitrogen execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith

    Source

    “The US Supreme Court and a lower appeals court have declined to block what Kenneth Eugene Smith's lawyers called a cruel and unusual punishment.”

    US inmate faces first nitrogen execution
  12. July 2023

  13. The Namibian

    Supreme Court added five years to prison term of rapist

    Source

    “The Supreme Court has added five years to the prison term of a man who raped a pregnant woman twice after breaking into a house in the Omusati region 12 years ago.”

    Omusati rapist gets extra time in prison
  14. April 2023

  15. The Namibian

    Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favour of Mr Riley on warrantless cellphone searches

    Source

    “The Supreme Court of the United States, however, ruled in his favour.”

    The Unlawful Accessing of Cellphone Information Must Stop
Politics

High Court rejects Dippenaar bid to appeal murder conviction

The News

Jandré Lodewyk Dippenaar, the first person in Namibia convicted of murder with direct intent from a car accident, has had his application to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court dismissed by the High Court. Dippenaar was sentenced in August 2024 to 15 years' imprisonment after being convicted on six counts of murder and other charges relating to a December 2014 car crash in Henties Bay that killed six people.

Why it matters

High Court rejecting Dippenaar's bid to appeal his murder conviction closes a major legal case and sets precedent for direct-intent convictions.

6 June 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 6 June

  1. High Court rejects Dippenaar bid to appeal murder conviction

    Jandré Lodewyk Dippenaar, the first person in Namibia convicted of murder with direct intent from a car accident, has had his application to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court dismissed by the High Court. Dippenaar was sentenced in August 2024 to 15 years' imprisonment after being convicted on six counts of murder and other charges relating to a December 2014 car crash in Henties Bay that killed six people.

    6 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Leasehold rights under Communal Land Reform Act survive death

    A High Court judge ruled that a leasehold right granted under the Communal Land Reform Act of 2005 does not end with the death of the right holder and can form part of their estate. The court also determined that a deceased estate and its executor have a stronger claim to the land than someone occupying it without a leasehold right.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 28 May

  1. Supreme Court orders Namfisa to pay N$35.1m to Prowealth investors

    The Supreme Court has ordered Namfisa to pay N$35.1 million to the liquidator of insolvent company Prowealth Asset Management, to be distributed to investors who lost money entrusted to the company about two decades ago. The order follows a November finding that Namfisa was liable for losses suffered by approximately 87 investors due to insufficient regulatory oversight from August 2005 until the company collapsed in December 2008.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Supreme Court orders Namfisa to pay N$35 million to fraud liquidators

    The Supreme Court has ordered the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) to pay N$35 million to the liquidator of Prowealth Asset Management, which collapsed after its director stole about N$75 million from more than 70 investors. The ruling follows a November 2025 finding that Namfisa could be held liable for breaching its duty of care in failing to properly supervise the fraudulent asset manager.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 25 May

  1. NSFAF sues former chief for N$4.3m repayment

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has sued former chief executive Hilya Nghiwete for N$4.3 million following a Supreme Court judgment that overturned earlier rulings in her favour. The fund argues Nghiwete was unfairly enriched after receiving salaries, benefits, and backpay linked to an arbitration award that was later set aside.

    25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 8 May

  1. 161-page dossier alleges fraud, corruption by police chief Shikongo

    A Windhoek resident submitted a 161-page dossier to the Security Commission in April 2025 requesting President Nandi-Ndaitwah remove inspector general Joseph Shikongo from office, alleging corruption, criminal interference, intimidation and abuse of state institutions. Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed major general Anne-Marie Nainda as acting inspector general, though the president did not publicly state reasons for the suspension.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. 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 →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Supreme Court upholds ex-PM's block of ACC investigator

    The Supreme Court found that former prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila acted lawfully under the Public Service Act when she blocked the appointment of Phelem Masule as the Anti-Corruption Commission's chief of investigations and prosecutions in July 2020. Although the court found the High Court erred in setting aside her decision, it dismissed the government's appeal after determining the appellants failed to rely on the correct section of the Act in their appeal.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. Judge president tributes retiring High Court registrar Elsie Schickerling

    Judge president Petrus Damaseb praised retiring High Court and Supreme Court registrar Elsie Schickerling, who has served in the role for 17 years, for introducing judicial case management, court-connected mediation, electronic case filing, and overseeing the establishment of the High Court's northern division and building renovations. Schickerling is retiring from public service at the end of April.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 April

  1. Defence lawyers urge judge to proceed with Fishrot trial

    Defence lawyers for accused in the Fishrot fraud, corruption and racketeering case have argued that the trial of the 10 individuals charged should proceed while two accused pursue appeals against the judge's refusal to step down from the case.

    27 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 April

  1. Minister blocks funds to Kunene Regional Council over chief officer dispute

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has halted government funds to the Kunene Regional Council, demanding removal of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb, whose appointment is being challenged in court. The council's chairperson Western Muharukua describes the fund freeze as unlawful pressure and says it threatens to disrupt salaries, services, and capital projects; the council plans to seek judicial review.

    20 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 17 April

  1. 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

  1. Red Soil Energy appeals rejected petroleum licence decision in Supreme Court

    Red Soil Energy has appealed to the Supreme Court over the mines ministry's 2021 rejection of its petroleum exploration licence application for four offshore oil blocks. The company claims it was treated unfairly and differently from competing applicants, while the minister argues the application was incomplete and lacked required financial documentation.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Minister Kantema presents N$417.2m gender equality and child welfare budget

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has been allocated N$417.2 million for the 2026/2027 financial year to advance gender equity, child protection, and women's economic empowerment across Namibia. In the past year, the ministry supported 347 survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking, accommodated 329 street children in boarding schools, and expanded early childhood development enrolment from 110,726 to 126,213 across the country.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. Supreme Court halts NaCC pharmacy price-fixing probe

    The Namibian Competition Commission must reassess its investigation into alleged price-fixing by pharmacies linked to the Pharmaceutical Association of Namibia after the Supreme Court ruled the probe was conducted unlawfully, finding that the commission exceeded its legal authority by delegating investigative powers to its secretary.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 3 April

  1. Fishrot accused lose Supreme Court appeal on asset restraint

    Three accused in the Fishrot fraud case—former attorney general Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo—lost their Supreme Court appeal against an assets restraint order imposed under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The court upheld the High Court's 2023 confirmation of the restraint, which freezes assets including bank funds, property, vehicles, and luxury goods belonging to six of the accused, and ordered the three appellants to pay the prosecutor general's legal costs.

    3 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Government launches WIL policy amid unpaid internship debate

    Namibia has launched the National Work Integrated Learning Policy 2025–2030 to address youth unemployment and the education-industry skills gap, with Prime Minister Ngurare emphasising the need for practical implementation and employer collaboration. However, the policy launch comes as unpaid internships remain widespread in the country, creating both opportunities for experience and risks of exploitation, particularly for financially vulnerable students who cannot afford to work without compensation.

    1 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Israel approves death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of terror attacks

    Israel's parliament passed legislation making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks, with execution by hanging within 90 days. The law has drawn criticism from international observers and civil rights groups who say it is discriminatory and undermines democratic principles.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's legal gaps leave surrogacy arrangements vulnerable to exploitation

    Medical experts and legal analysts warn that Namibia lacks laws regulating surrogacy, creating risks of exploitation and trafficking, following a fraudulent advertisement offering N$800,000 to surrogates. While South Africa and Botswana have experience with regulated or unregulated surrogacy arrangements, Namibia's legal framework remains silent on the matter, leaving parties with no legal protection and prompting calls for amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 30 March

  1. Nepal's ex-PM appears in court after protest crackdown arrest

    Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli appeared by video-link from hospital after arrest for alleged involvement in a deadly 2025 crackdown on anti-government protests that killed at least 76 people. An inquiry commission has recommended prosecution of Oli and other officials for failing to stop security forces from firing on demonstrators, citing "criminal negligence."

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Angola schedules April trial for ex-fisheries minister

    Angola's Supreme Court has set 22 April as the trial date for former fisheries minister Vitória de Barros Neto and three co-defendants, who are accused of embezzling funds from Angola and Namibia resulting from fish sales in a joint coastal zone. Namibian authorities are conducting a parallel investigation into the same matter.

    30 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 March

  1. Guinea military officer convicted of stadium massacre dies in prison

    Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité, convicted of crimes against humanity for his role in Guinea's 2009 stadium massacre that killed more than 150 people and resulted in at least 109 rapes, has died in custody while serving a 10-year sentence. His death has prompted concerns in Guinea about unresolved justice and accountability for past abuses.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 14 March

  1. Namibia needs dedicated constitutional court to protect minority rights

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia should establish a specialised constitutional court to safeguard fundamental rights against majoritarian pressure, citing concerns that the current Supreme Court system has allowed laws contradicting equality protections—such as the 2024 Marriage Act—and left minorities vulnerable on issues including LGBTQI+ rights.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

  1. US launches trade investigation into major partners

    The US has launched a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices by major trading partners including China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, potentially leading to new tariffs by summer. The probe follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's previous tariff policies and offers the administration a way to impose new levies on countries found to have engaged in unfair trade.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Minister approves Jacky Britz as Rehoboth Basters Kaptein

    Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has officially approved Herbert George Jacky Britz's designation as Kaptein of the Rehoboth Baster Gemeente Traditional Community, ending a protracted leadership dispute that followed his election in 2021 and court challenges by a rival candidate. Britz said the recognition restores the community's dignity and strengthens its voice in national matters.

    11 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Namibia challenges Trump tariffs threatening AGOA trade program

    Namibia has raised alarm over US President Trump's new 15% global tariff, arguing it conflicts with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the American market. Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi warned the tariffs risk undermining years of progress for African exporters, particularly Namibia's beef, fish, and horticultural sectors that have grown dependent on AGOA's preferential access.

    10 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Minister hails women's advances in Namibian justice sector

    Gender Equality Minister Emma Kantema has praised the growing presence of women in Namibia's judiciary, noting recent milestones including the appointment of the first permanent woman judge to the Supreme Court and increased representation of women judges and magistrates. She acknowledged these achievements as evidence of women's capacity to lead at the highest levels while also flagging safety concerns for female judicial officers, referencing the 2025 death of prosecutor Justine Shiweda.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Namibia's first female Supreme Court judge sworn in

    Lady Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court, becoming the first woman to be permanently appointed to Namibia's highest court. Chief Justice Peter S. Shivute officiated the ceremony, with the appointment effective 1 March 2026 marking a historic milestone for gender representation in the Namibian judiciary.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Three foreign judges appointed to Namibia's High Court

    The Office of the Judiciary appointed judges from Zimbabwe and Botswana to Namibia's High Court, effective March 2025, as part of efforts to address critical shortages in the judiciary. Esi Schimming-Chase was sworn in as Namibia's first permanent female Supreme Court judge, and Chief Justice Peter Shivute noted that women now constitute the majority of the High Court bench.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. First woman permanently appointed to Namibia Supreme Court

    Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase has become the first woman to be permanently appointed as a judge to Namibia's Supreme Court, taking her oath of office at a ceremony administered by Chief Justice Peter Shivute. She assumes duties effective 1 March 2026, following a distinguished legal career spanning more than two decades.

    3 March 2026 · New Era →

Supreme Court — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute