Fifteen years on, Junias Fillipus is still waiting for justice.
He was wrongfully accused, arrested and detained for 291 days over the alleged rape and murder of Magdalena Stoffles in a Khomasdal riverbed.
However, he has yet to receive the N$2.7 million he is claiming in compensation.
Speaking to New Era last weekend, Fillipus expressed frustration over the slow progress of his claim.
“I have never been able to get a proper job since my release from prison on 13 May 2011, after the charges against me were withdrawn due to lack of evidence,” he said.
He added: “Since then, I have been branded a rapist and a murderer by the community. Most of the time, people refuse to help me even when I ask for basic assistance”.
Fillipus credited Elina Kondunda, who has supported him since 2016 by keeping him off the streets.
“If it weren’t for her, I would probably have ended up destitute. All I want now is for the authorities in the legal and justice system to explain what has happened to my claims,” he said.
Fillipus was arrested in 2010 after he was found in blood-soaked clothes in a riverbed, not far from where the body of Stoffles was found.
The DNA tests conducted in Canada, however, proved his innocence, leading to his release.
Previous reports state that Fillipus, through his lawyer Titus Ipumbu, initially sued the government for N$200 000 for the wrongful and unlawful arrest.
He also claimed N$2 million in damages for Fillipus’ 291-day detention and a further N$250 000 for humiliation suffered during the ordeal.
He requested an interest of 20% per annum from the date of judgment until full payment, along with legal costs.
The government opposed the lawsuit, arguing that the claims were not filed within the statutory 12-month period.
However, the Supreme Court later ruled in Fillipus’ favour, dismissing an appeal by the Prosecutor General and allowing him to sue for malicious prosecution.
High Court Judge Kobus Miller rejected his claims for wrongful arrest and unlawful detention, citing that these were filed too late.
Approached for comment, Ipumbu’s secretary informed this publication that the law firm withdrew from the case in 2013.