Iuze Mukube

Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab says the ministry is making significant strides in bringing restorative justice closer to communities through the establishment of additional courts. 

Dausab said this during a media briefing last week where she confirmed that through the ministry’s newest directorate, 37 community courts have been established in all 14 regions.

The goal of this initiative is to improve access to justice and ensure that conflicts are settled in a way that is inclusive and culturally appropriate at community level.

“Community courts are important because, firstly, they operate among the people. Secondly, that’s the one court, and I am not saying the other courts don’t provide restorative justice, where the principle of restorative justice is real,” she said.

The minister added that the ministry had increased the annual budget for each community court from
N$120 000 to N$250 000 with provisions for additional support where needed. These courts will focus on what would be considered traditional crimes, as well as on petty crimes and the like. 

“When somebody swears at you, when people have disagreements in the community, or issues that pertain to traditional issues, whether or not members of that particular society have an interpretation of what their culture is, that kind of interpretation can also be brought to the community court for its consideration,” Dausab stated. 

“So, community courts are important for us, and that’s why we created a directorate that will specifically be focusing on community courts,” she said.

Referring to access to justice, Dausab emphasised that a functioning, well-supported, well-resourced community court, can effectively resolve disputes.

Community courts are also platforms for employment-creation, and provide an opportunity for the community to be part of an important function.

Dausab added that the development of more courts is important in bringing justice closer to the people and addressing the unique needs of various communities, including efforts to decongest conventional courts, and increase finalisation rates in the court system.

These courts, particularly those inaugurated this year, include the Environmental Crimes Court, with one inaugurated in Otjiwarango on 19 August 2024, and being the first of its kind in Namibia.

This specialized court underscores Namibia’s commitment to combating environmental crimes in line with its improved performance on the Financial Action Task Force.

The minister said the court enables the swift prosecution for offenses such as wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and pollution, aligning with national and international efforts to safeguard the environment.

The Hoachanas Periodical Court, the first court in that district, inaugurated on 13 September 2024 in Kalkrand, Hardap region, enhances access to justice for residents in remote areas, reducing travel burdens, and ensuring timely resolution of legal disputes within communities.

Lastly, the Katima Mulilo Magistrates Court, inaugurated on 17 September 2024 in the Zambezi region, serves as a centralised, one-stop state-of-the-art facility for resolving legal matters.

Dausab urged citizens to make use of these courts for minor disputes and pledged to continue expanding the programme in the near future to ensure no one is left behind in accessing justice. –mukubeiuze@gmail.com