OSHAKATI – The Oshakati High Court has dismissed a defamation application brought against activist Tangy Mike Tshilongo with costs. 

The matter has been removed from the roll and considered finalised. 

The matter was heard in the Northern Local Division before Judge David Munsu on Tuesday. 

The applicants were Uukwambi Traditional Authority chief Herman Ndilimani Iipumbu and the Uukwambi Traditional Authority. 

Tshilongo was cited as the first respondent, while the minister of urban and rural development and the President of the Republic of Namibia were listed as the second and third respondents. After hearing legal practitioner Landuleni Angolo on behalf of the applicants, and Inonge Mainga on behalf of Tshilongo, the application was dismissed with costs. 

The matter was regarded as finalised. The applicants had approached the court on an urgent basis, seeking an interim interdict to stop Tshilongo from publishing what they described as defamatory and slanderous material about them and the Uukwambi Traditional Community on his social media platforms. They also wanted the court to compel him to remove such content and prevent further publications. 

Reacting to the ruling, Tshilongo said he welcomed the court’s decision. 

“I opposed the application and appeared in court on the 27th January 2026, represented by my lawyer. After the court heard both arguments, judgement was reserved and later delivered on the 17th of February 2026. 

“I went to court on the mentioned date, and the judge dismissed the application with costs and removed it from the roll. The matter is now finalised,” he said.When contacted for comment, Chief Iipumbu was unaware of the latest development in the matter. 

“I cannot comment on this matter, as I do not know anything. Maybe I am yet to be informed,” said Iipumbu. 

The case forms part of a long-running and public dispute between Tshilongo and the Uukwambi Traditional Authority on Iipumbu’s legitimacy as the authority’s leader. 

Tshilongo has, on several occasions, publicly questioned Iipumbu’s recognition as Chief, arguing that he does not come from the rightful royal or traditional lineage of the Uukwambi people. 

These claims have been strongly disputed by supporters of the current traditional leadership, who maintain that Iipumbu was lawfully recognised in accordance with applicable traditional customs and government processes. The disagreement has remained a source of tension within the community and has repeatedly played out on social media and in public forums. 

Tshilongo has previously stated that his criticism is driven by concerns over traditional governance, transparency and adherence to customary succession practices. 

Meanwhile, the Traditional Authority has viewed his statements as damaging and disrespectful. 

– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na