Political Leader Files Complaint Against Namibian Judge Over Conduct.
Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has lodged a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission against High Court Judge Shafimana Ueitele, citing concerns about the judge's conduct during recent court proceedings.
The dispute stems from Amupanda's legal challenge to remove Namibia's veterinary cordon fence, known as the redline. Through his legal team of Mbushandje Ntinda and Kadhila Amoomo, Amupanda seeks a court declaration that the fence violates the constitution.
According to the complaint filed Wednesday, Judge Ueitele displayed "a negative and hostile tone" toward Amupanda's attorneys during hearings. The political leader claims the judge made inappropriate personal remarks, including a controversial statement about paternity that Amupanda believes undermined the dignity of court proceedings.
The complaint details how Judge Ueitele repeatedly interrupted Ntinda's oral arguments with questions and critical comments yet allowed opposing counsel to present without interruption. Amupanda argues that this treatment demonstrated bias in the courtroom.
The case has drawn additional scrutiny after Popular Democratic Movement lawmaker Hidipo Hamata announced plans to question Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein about a land tax exemption granted to Judge Ueitele. Official records show Ueitele, along with hundreds of other farm owners, received exemptions totaling N$7,048 for 2018 and 2020.
Hamata intends to press the agriculture minister on the justification for Ueitele's tax exemption, expressing concern that such financial considerations might affect judicial impartiality. The lawmaker questions whether these exemptions serve to benefit individuals in positions of authority rather than follow fair administrative practices.
The intersection of these issues—judicial conduct, land policy, and tax exemptions—has sparked debate about transparency and fairness in Namibia's legal system. Minister Schlettwein, named as the first defendant in Amupanda's redline case, faces parliamentary questioning next Thursday about these overlapping matters.
Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has lodged a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission against High Court Judge Shafimana Ueitele, citing concerns about the judge's conduct during recent court proceedings.
The dispute stems from Amupanda's legal challenge to remove Namibia's veterinary cordon fence, known as the redline. Through his legal team of Mbushandje Ntinda and Kadhila Amoomo, Amupanda seeks a court declaration that the fence violates the constitution.
According to the complaint filed Wednesday, Judge Ueitele displayed "a negative and hostile tone" toward Amupanda's attorneys during hearings. The political leader claims the judge made inappropriate personal remarks, including a controversial statement about paternity that Amupanda believes undermined the dignity of court proceedings.
The complaint details how Judge Ueitele repeatedly interrupted Ntinda's oral arguments with questions and critical comments yet allowed opposing counsel to present without interruption. Amupanda argues that this treatment demonstrated bias in the courtroom.
The case has drawn additional scrutiny after Popular Democratic Movement lawmaker Hidipo Hamata announced plans to question Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein about a land tax exemption granted to Judge Ueitele. Official records show Ueitele, along with hundreds of other farm owners, received exemptions totaling N$7,048 for 2018 and 2020.
Hamata intends to press the agriculture minister on the justification for Ueitele's tax exemption, expressing concern that such financial considerations might affect judicial impartiality. The lawmaker questions whether these exemptions serve to benefit individuals in positions of authority rather than follow fair administrative practices.
The intersection of these issues—judicial conduct, land policy, and tax exemptions—has sparked debate about transparency and fairness in Namibia's legal system. Minister Schlettwein, named as the first defendant in Amupanda's redline case, faces parliamentary questioning next Thursday about these overlapping matters.
