Judiciary denounces social media misinformation undermining integrity

The Office of the Judiciary released a statement on 21 February 2025 in response to misinformation circulating on social media.

The judiciary has taken note of recent misinformation disseminated on social media that seeks to undermine its integrity and transparency. This misinformation is designed to depict the judiciary as biased or incapable of rendering independent and impartial judgments on cases presented before the court.

The judiciary executes its constitutional mandate independently and is solely accountable to the Constitution and the law. The members of Namibia’s judiciary, bound by their oath to uphold and protect the Constitution, owe their loyalty exclusively to the Constitution and the law.

Upon their appointment, judicial officers take an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of Namibia. Individuals who have reason to believe that a judge may be conflicted on any legally recognised ground have the right to file a formal complaint through established channels or to seek the recusal of such a judge.

The appointment of judges to the High Court of Namibia is governed by Article 80(1), which prescribes, among other things, the composition of the judges of the High Court, including the appointment of deputy judge(s)-president. It is noteworthy that the previous deputy judge-president of the High Court was appointed as a judge of appeal to the Supreme Court in late 2024. The appointment of deputy judge(s)- president aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary’s capacity and enhance the administration of justice.

Judicial nominations for vacant positions are conducted via established legal processes and channels in accordance with the Judicial Service Commission Regulations. Designated organisations are duly informed to submit nominations by a specified closing date. Therefore, there is nothing inappropriate regarding the procedures followed for the appointment of judges. Such procedures follow the existing law.

The judiciary has consistently submitted and tabled its annual reports in a timely manner over the past years. These reports furnish an account of the judiciary’s activities and the resources allocated to empower it in fulfilling its mandate. Furthermore, when decisions are rendered in the courts, judgments are made publicly available.

Consequently, the judiciary once again urges the public to resist the inclination to cast aspersions on judges, either individually or collectively, as such actions may erode public confidence in an institution dedicated to delivering justice with impartiality and integrity.

The judiciary remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, independence, and upholding the rule of law across all its operations. The public is encouraged to engage with relevant judicial authorities or to consult official platforms for accurate updates.

While the judiciary maintains its stance against unsubstantiated attacks on its integrity and the integrity of judges, it welcomes constructive criticism and affirms its commitment to excellence in the provision of its services.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.