Imalwa appointed as acting prosecutor general for one year

Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has been appointed as acting head of Namibia’s prosecuting authority for a year, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced.

Imalwa, who has been Namibia’s prosecutor general (PG) since January 2004, has been appointed by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as acting PG on a recommendation of the JSC from the start of January to the end of 2026, JSC secretary Elias Shikongo announced on Friday.

Imalwa’s term as PG ends at the end of December.

“The commission has commenced the recruitment process for the next prosecutor general by inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply,” Shikongo stated.

“Shortlisted candidates will undergo a comprehensive assessment aimed at identifying the most suitable person for recommendation to the president in accordance with the governing constitutional and statutory framework,” Shikongo said.

He added: “The interim appointment will safeguard stability and the uninterrupted functioning of the Office of the Prosecutor General as the commission finalises its recommendation for the substantive appointment.”

Imalwa, who is reaching the age of 65 during December, was first appointed by president Sam Nujoma as PG for a 10-year term in late 2003.

In late 2013, president Hifikepunye Pohamba appointed Imalwa for a further seven years.

President Hage Geingob put Imalwa in charge of criminal prosecutions in Namibia for a further five years in December 2020.

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