Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Judiciary is set to enhance its commitment to justice with the migration of the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court to its newly constructed premises on Soweto Street.
According to a statement by the Office of the Judiciary, the transition, set to commence on 18 November, is a key development in the administration of justice in the region.
The state-of-the-art courthouse was officially inaugurated on 17 September and has since been prepared to host its first court session.
The migration process, which began on 11 November, concluded on 15 November, ensuring a seamless transfer of judicial operations.
According to the judiciary, the new court will accommodate regional and district cases under Magistrates Clara Mwilima and Beatrice Sibalatani.
Cases where accused persons will make their first appearances in November will also be held at the new court building.
However, cases overseen by Magistrate Davy Kambinda will remain at the old Ngoma Road courthouse.
This strategic shift is reinforced by the Namibian Judiciary’s dedication to delivering impartial, effective, and efficient justice.
“This transition underscores our commitment to strengthening the justice system and upholding the rule of law,” the judiciary stated.
The move also reinforces the separation of powers, a cornerstone of Namibia’s constitutional democracy.
According to the judiciary, stakeholders and the public may experience temporary interruptions during the migration period.
In this regard, the judiciary has extended its apologies for any inconvenience and provided alternative contact points to facilitate ongoing communication and service delivery.
To celebrate this historic transition, an inaugural court session will be held on 18 November 2024, at 09:00.
The judiciary stated that the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court represents a vital investment in Namibia’s judicial infrastructure, promising enhanced access to justice for the community.
The new Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court will set a benchmark for judicial excellence.