Justice Ministry mulling college for magistrates

OSHAKATI – The Justice Ministry is looking at the possibility of establishing a training college where magistrates, prosecutors and supporting staff could be trained, says Deputy Minister Uutoni Nujoma.

Nujoma was speaking at Oshakati, where he met the Oshakati-based staff of his Ministry on Thursday. He said the backlog of cases in all Namibian courts was caused by a shortage of manpower in the Justice Ministry.To address these difficulties, the Ministry recently approved the creation of 30 more permanent posts for magistrates.”Once funds are available to fill these posts we shall at least then have two or more magistrates in every station to do the work.”Nujoma said.At the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court, only 50 cases were finalised between April and June this year, and 723 cases were still outstanding, Nujoma said.The State withdrew 165 cases during he same period.NampaHe said the backlog of cases in all Namibian courts was caused by a shortage of manpower in the Justice Ministry.To address these difficulties, the Ministry recently approved the creation of 30 more permanent posts for magistrates.”Once funds are available to fill these posts we shall at least then have two or more magistrates in every station to do the work.”Nujoma said.At the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court, only 50 cases were finalised between April and June this year, and 723 cases were still outstanding, Nujoma said.The State withdrew 165 cases during he same period.Nampa