Staff Reporter
THE courtrooms of both the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court in town as well as that of Katutura Magistrate’s Court fell into silence after magistrates went on strike this morning, leaving the Namibian justice system crippled as accused persons, lawyers, and prosecutors waited in empty courtrooms for presiding officers.
One courtroom interpreter who spoke on condition of anonymity said that he would describe the strike as a “go-slow” industrial action, with only two magistrates on board—one serving the regional court, while another assisted with postponing all other court cases on behalf of the absent magistrates. “There is definitely a shortage; only two courts are operational. We do not know where the rest are. It is getting darker and darker for Namibians who ought to have been served today. We are hoping the leaders will pull up their socks,” the court interpreter from town said.
At the Katutura Magistrate’s Court, the justice system also appeared to be in limbo, with prosecutors and lawyers sitting in empty courtrooms, stating that they had been waiting for magistrates since 09:00 but to no avail.
The strike comes amid demands for better wages and benefits, as the country currently faces a shortage of magistrates, which has led to magistrates shouldering a heavy workload.
Victoria Hango, spokesperson of the Namibian Judiciary, said in a statement that the judiciary is currently in talks with all affected parties. “The Honourable Chief Justice convened a meeting on 4 November 2025 with the Magistrates’ Commission and senior officials of the Office of the Judiciary to deliberate on the matter. The Office of the Judiciary has taken note of the concerns raised by the magistrates and assures all members of the magistracy that the matter will receive urgent and careful attention through consultations between key stakeholders in the administration of justice,” Hango said.
She added that the Chief Justice therefore implores all magistrates to refrain from proceeding with any industrial action while the consultations are underway.
“The Honourable Chief Justice further calls upon all magistrates to remain true to their oath of office and remain committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the integrity of the justice system, and serving the people of Namibia with dedication and professionalism while their grievances are being addressed. The Office of the Judiciary and the Magistrates’ Commission remain committed to ensuring that the welfare of judicial officers is addressed through established institutional mechanisms. The Office expresses its confidence that ongoing dialogue and cooperation will lead to a fair and amicable resolution in the interests of justice and the nation,” Hango said in a statement.
