Office of the Judiciary spokesperson Vikitoria Hango has confirmed that lawyer Slysken Makando, who has had past troubles with the Law Society of Namibia (LSN), is still being considered for an appointment as a judge.
“His candidacy is still under consideration and no decision in that regard has yet been made,” Hango said.
This comes after Beatrix de Jager, a member of the Society of Advocates of Namibia, assumed an acting judge role for a three-month period, while Philanda Christiaan, a former chief magistrate, secured a permanent appointment as a High Court judge.
Alongside De Jager and Christiaan, Makando was one of three candidates who underwent the country’s first public interviews for appointments to the High Court.
In 2004, a complaint filed by a dissatisfied member of the public triggered a series of events that nearly resulted in Makando’s suspension from practising law.
During his December public interview, Makando assured the Judicial Service Commission (JSC);
“As we speak now, between us and the LSN, there is no issue. In fact, they nominated me and that shows that there are no lingering issues between us.”
The LSN, which at the time sought to have his licence revoked, put forth his nomination for a High Court judge appointment which led to him being shortlisted for the High Court judge appointment.
Makando during his public interview explained his past issues stemmed from a 2004 complaint by a dissatisfied member of the public. Even though the complaint was withdrawn that year, the LSN initiated a disciplinary hearing against him, leading to his appeal in the High Court.
Makando then faced charges from the LSN related to professional conduct and mismanagement of trust funds, but the matter was dismissed due to technicalities.
Although he admitted guilt to some charges concerning mishandling trust funds, he didn’t admit to misappropriation.
These issues occurred while he was running his own practice at Oshakati at the time.
“There has been no complaint against me from the public ever since,” Makando said during his interview.
Makando, when approached by The Namibian, opted not to comment.
The media has scrutinised Makando’s past troubles, highlighting a connection to concerns related to his past issues with the LSN.
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