Prosecutors lives are in danger – PG

Prosecutor general Martha Imalwa says the lives of state prosecutors are in danger after a colleague was shot in the leg in front of her children at Ondangwa.

The victim was identified as Justine Shiweda, the control and regional court prosecutor for Ondangwa. She was also allegedly doused with an acidic substance at her home at Ondangwa on Friday.

Last week, magistrates raised concerns about their safety.

Imalwa says she had long warned about the risks prosecutors face, including the use of taxis for travel.

“The increasing trend of crime in the country puts our officers at risk,” she adds.

Shiweda was allegedly shot when she was about to take her children to school.

Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Imalwa described the incident as an eye-opener for everyone, including journalists who want to know the details of ongoing investigations.

“When we say we cannot comment now, it’s not because we don’t want to give information. It’s a reality – our lives are in danger on a daily basis. It is a serious concern to me. This is the first incident involving a prosecutor in independent Namibia, and it worries me very much,” she said.

Imalwa said she believes the incident also concerns the government.

“Measures need to be taken seriously. Not only prosecutors, but all court personnel require protection, and this is very, very serious,” she said.

Imalwa added: “As a nation, we need to work together to ensure those who are tasked with prosecuting and presiding over cases are protected.”

She said she has raised this concern for years. “I have been worried about prosecutors travelling in taxis, especially given the current trend of crime in our country.”

The prosecutor general said she is saddened and shocked by the incident.

“I pray to the Lord for my prosecutor to survive. We are still praying for her full recovery, and we will continue to support her during this difficult time,” Imalwa said.

The prosecutor general said they are in contact with the family and waiting for the police to complete their investigations.

“My office will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in carrying out their work,” she said.

Oshana police head of criminal investigations deputy commissioner Frederick Ndjadila yesterday told The Namibian that a case of attempted murder has been opened at the Ondangwa Police Station.

“The investigation is continuing. We still have a lot of connections to make and people of interest to identify, but so far, no one has been arrested,” he said.

Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations spokesperson Edmund Khoaseb says the ministry will respond today.

Office of the Judiciary spokesperson Vikitoria Hango and Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo were not reachable for comment yesterday.

In October last year, public prosecutors’ offices at the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court were destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association of Namibia at the time expressed concern about the fire, saying it highlights a troubling gap in the security of court premises.

Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo says prosecutors are the cornerstone of Namibia’s criminal justice system.

He says they operate while fearing for their lives, which is not helpful to anyone.

“The court security really needs an upgrade. It is a ticking time bomb. Anyone can come into court with a weapon undetected. Namibia may be a peaceful nation but we need to remain vigilant,” he said.

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