HOACHANAS – Vice President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah said Namibians must all know that justice is an unlimited right. 

Hence, the government must always strive to ensure that it is adequately provided throughout Namibia.

She delivered this message in her keynote address when officially inaugurating the newly constructed periodical court in Hoachanas last week.

“The right to a fair trial, enshrined in Article 12 of our Constitution, guarantees that every Namibian, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the right to a fair and impartial hearing before a competent court,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. 

She continued: “It is, therefore, gratifying that the Office of the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice have collectively redoubled their efforts to bring services closer to the people.” 

She said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that services are brought closer to the people to alleviate the long distances and strenuous travelling expenses that Namibians must foot, to access basic services. 

“The opening of this periodical court is timely, and will help alleviate the time and costs spent on travelling to and from the crime scene to investigate submissions of dockets, and prosecutors travelling from their duty stations as far as from Rehoboth to come and attend to cases. In addition more time can be spent on litigation and finalising cases as there is now a court to operate from, “ she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah added that the Namibian government will continue to tirelessly build a policy, legal and institutional framework that embodies the principles of justice, fairness, and equality. 

“This right is fundamental to our democracy and the protection of individual freedoms and without access to courts, these rights are at risk of violation,” she stressed. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is known by the moniker ‘NNN’ in the political arena, reiterated, “It is the people who work within these walls: the judicial officers, prosecutors and support staff who must breathe life into this institution.” 

She then pleaded with locals to guard the facility against any form of vandalism, while optimally making use of them. 

On the same day, Hardap governor Salomon April said residents of Hoachanas have been praying for justice to come at their closest
proximity. 

“Justice is an important and solid foundation for people to exist, have peace and stability and this was now brought to the doorstep of residents of Hoachanas,” he said. 

Also during the event, Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab could not contain her joy. 

“Through opening this court, government has addressed the challenges of costly travelling for citizens of the settlement in order to have access to judiciary services,” she said. 

Gert Keibeb, a local resident when interviewed by New Era said the event marked a significant improvement in their daily lives. 

“We no more need to travel the 50km to Derm, the nearest place where court cases are attended to,” an elated Keibeb said.  -sklukowski@nepc.com.na