The Windhoek High Court on Monday issued a final interdict preventing 26 dismissed Namib Mills employees from “harassing” the company or coming within 70 metres of any of its premises countrywide. The decision follows an incident in which the workers, accompanied by social activist Michael Amushelelo, blocked the entrance of the Namib Mills depot in Windhoek.
He reportedly wanted to discuss employees’ grievances and ongoing disciplinary proceedings with the company. According to Namib Mills, the company could suffer losses amounting to N$3.7 million per day if Amushelelo and the aggrieved former workers succeed in shutting down the company’s operations.
An interim interdict was initially granted by the High Court in April 2024, preventing him and the workers from blocking or entering Namib Mills premises without prior authorisation. The final order interdicts Amushelelo and others from engaging in any unlawful conduct at any of the Namib Mills premises countrywide. Meanwhile, the 26 employees were issued a final dismissal order on 19 May 2024.
Presiding judge Hannelie Prinsloo found that Namib Mills had satisfied the requirements of a final interdict, and that it is the only viable remedy available to the company.
Speaking to Nampa shortly after the ruling, Sindimba Livingi, one of the dismissed employees, said although the group was initially represented by Amushelelo, he has since gone mute, and has not been answering their calls.
Efforts to get comment from Amushelelo proved futile. -Nampa