Namibia’s first Environment Court inaugurated in Otjiwarongo

Staff Reporter

VICE President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah recently inaugurated the country’s first Magistrates’ Court for Environmental Crimes in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region.

“I’m informed that the infrastructure to host this court has its own history, and that is a history we also need to respect. It was just a simple house, but individuals who care about our communities came on board and decided to recondition it, renovate it, and elevate it to the level of a court, complete with all the necessary facilities: IT infrastructure, CCTV, strong rooms, high-end audio recording systems, and holding cells,” she said.

Chief Justice Peter Shivute explained that the newly inaugurated court will serve as a specialised legal institution, addressing offences such as poaching, illegal logging, violations of the Environmental Protection Act, and other wildlife crimes that threaten the country’s ecological integrity.

This sentiment was echoed by the Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, who described the court’s inauguration as a turning point in the country’s fight against environmental crimes.

“For ordinary Namibians, this court could protect livelihoods tied to wildlife and agriculture by curbing illegal activities that harm the environment. This inauguration represents a turning point in our fight against those who threaten the very essence of our country, our land, our wildlife, and our future. Today, we send a clear message: Namibia will stand firm in safeguarding its environment for the benefit of all its citizens and generations to come,” Dausab said.

Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed gratitude to the stakeholders who made the establishment of the specialised court a reality, highlighting the United States of America (USA) as one of the key supporters of this initiative.

U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry, reiterated this, emphasising that the U.S. government has collaborated with the Government of Namibia over the years to implement various innovative strategies to address environmental challenges.

“Today, we mark a new milestone in the history of that collaboration by opening the first permanent court in Namibia dedicated to the timely finalisation of environmental crime cases. This new, specialised court will enable the Ministry of Justice to fast-track complex environmental cases and ensure those accused of crimes have access to a speedy trial – a right guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution. Its presence will not only reduce case backlogs for environmental cases, but also relieve the caseload burdens of other courts throughout the country,” Berry added.