One judge handles close to 400 cases
Staff Reporter
During the 2024 Legal Year, a civil bench of 13 judges managed a total of 4,987 cases, translating into an average workload of approximately 384 cases per judge. In the 2025 Legal Year, the reduced civil bench (of about seven judges) managed 4,295 cases.
Although the overall number of cases declined only marginally, the average workload per judge rose sharply to approximately 614 cases per judge.
The above are some statistics shared by Chief Justice Peter Shivute at the opening occasion of the 2026 Legal Year at the Supreme Court on 5 February 2026.
During the address, Shivute stated that across all court levels, case registrations have fluctuated, with increases in some categories and decreases in others.
“Despite this variation, overall registration levels remain high. While this can be attributed to a range of factors, it also reflects something important and positive: continued public confidence in the courts as places where disputes are resolved and rights are vindicated,” Shivute said.
He added that, in addition to this, judicial officer numbers have reached a critical point.
This, Shivute said, is exacerbated by the retirement of two Supreme Court judges, whilst the High Court also bid farewell to two judges.
“The shortage at the High Court is particularly dire in the civil stream. Over the past year, the civil stream of the Main Division of the High Court has operated under severe and sustained constraints in judicial capacity. Excluding the Deputy Judge Presidents, the civil bench stood at seven judges, while in the Northern Local Division a single judge carried responsibility for the entire civil stream. These conditions have placed exceptional demands on judicial officers and the institutional support structures of the court,” Shivute stated.
He added that the impact of these constraints is evident from the caseload data across successive legal years.
“During the 2024 Legal Year, a civil bench of 13 judges managed a total of 4,987 cases, translating into an average workload of approximately 384 cases per judge. In the 2025 Legal Year, the reduced civil bench managed 4,295 cases. Although the overall number of cases declined only marginally, the average workload per judge rose sharply to approximately 614 cases per judge. This represents an increase of nearly 60% in the average workload per judge. It is a clear indication that judicial officers have been required to carry significantly heavier caseloads to maintain the effective functioning of the court and to avert the accumulation of backlogs. This level of productivity has been achieved at a cost, with clear institutional implications,” Shivute said.
He added that similar constraints continue to affect the lower courts. The backlog situation remains the most critical challenge confronting the Magistrates’ Courts. The combined backlog increased from 57,090 cases at the end of 2024 to 63,679 cases in December 2025, representing an 11.5% increase.
The Chief Justice stated that this growing backlog is occurring against the backdrop of persistent shortages of magistrates, resulting in unsustainable caseloads per judicial officer.
“Recent events have drawn attention to these challenges and the need for constructive engagement around them. However, in giving expression to legitimate concerns, judicial officers must remain acutely conscious of the unique constitutional role they occupy. Certain forms of conduct, however well-intentioned, are incompatible with the oath of office and risk undermining public confidence,” Shivute said.
He reassured magistrates that the Judicial Service Commission, as the body mandated to make recommendations on judges’ remuneration and conditions of service, is reviewing the existing framework to enhance the attractiveness of judicial service.
Due to these systemic constraints, Shivute added that Namibia is looking at a number of alternatives, including looking beyond its borders for judges from comparable jurisdictions, and that agreements signed with some SADC countries have made this possible.
PICTURED: His Lordship, Chief Justice of Namibia, Peter Shivute. Photo: Contributed
