The N$74 million lawsuits against government, lodged by the president of Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU), Werner Januarie, will only be heard next year.
High Court Judge Esi Schimming-Chase scheduled Januarie’s matter for 14 February 2022.
Januarie is suing government for allegedly having been harassed, assaulted, and pointed and beaten with AK47s by the Namibian police and military officers on 21 August 2020 during stage three of the Covid-19 lockdown period.
He claimed he was thereafter arrested and detained for a week at the Wanaheda police station on false allegations.
He was later released on bail.
“Rules under stage three of Covid regulations are crystal clear that citizens must be provided an opportunity to comply, and only upon failure of which charges can be instituted,” explained Januarie in court documents.
Thus, he claims he is not guilty of contravening the said regulations, as he was not given an opportunity to comply.
Januarie said he has since opened an assault case against government.
To ensure his case succeeds, he intends to have a clinical psychologist, security expert, any official from the transport ministry and journalists from three local media houses as witnesses.
In addition, he said, he has documentary evidence to prove his case.
Januarie is demanding damages of N$10 million for violation of human dignity, N$10 million for his fundamental human rights and freedoms being violated, and N$20 million for reputational damage and public humiliation.
He also seeks payment of N$20 million for emotional injury and psychological suffering, N$5 million for malicious prosecution and detention, N$5 million for cruel and degrading treatment and N$7 million for deprived income.
If the State fails to oppose the application, he will seek payment of N$37 million as settlement.
The respondents in the matter include safety and security minister Frans Kapofi as the first respondent, police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga, prosecutor general Martha Imalwa, President Hage Geingob and attorney general Festus Mbandeka.
The State, through its lawyer Monique Meyer, has indicated its intention to oppose the application.
- mamakali@nepc.com.na