THE Ministry of Justice has clarified that, contrary to recent social media posts, legal aid lawyer Eva Maria (Nangolo) Phillemon has not been dismissed from her post at the ministry, and will continue receiving her salary pending the outcome of an investigation.
The ministry in a statement issued on Friday said Phillemon’s legal aid certificate has, however, been withdrawn pending the investigation.
“In fact, she may be assigned other tasks in the meantime, and will be required to report for duty,” justice ministry spokesperson Simon Idipo said.
Nangolo last week caused public uproar when she made remarks seen as repeating negative stereotypes associated with Damara/Nama people.
In a posting on social media, Phillemon at first praised the cultural identity of the Damara people, but then went on to contrast this with the group’s purported reputation for drunken and unruly behaviour.
Her appontment as legal aid counsel, which entitles her to appear in the country’s courts to represent people who have been granted state-funded legal aid, was revoked by justice minister Yvonne Dausab on Tuesday.
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