Editorial: A judiciary under siege?

The integrity of Namibia’s judiciary is facing a critical test, and the nation is watching. The controversy surrounding High Court judge Shafimana Ueitele and his ties to agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein - one of the defendants in the red line court case – raises serious concerns about impartiality and the ethical backbone of our legal system. If justice is to prevail, transparency and accountability must take precedence over backroom dealings and questionable judicial conduct.



At the heart of the matter is the revelation that Ueitele was granted a land tax exemption by Schlettwein in August 2024 – while the very case involving Schlettwein was pending before him. This is not just an issue of conflict of interest; it is a blatant undermining of public trust in the judiciary. When judges appear to benefit financially from individuals involved in cases they oversee, how can the public be expected to believe in the fairness of the verdict?



Judges must not only be independent but must also be seen to be independent. The judiciary is not above scrutiny, and those who occupy its highest offices must adhere to the strictest ethical standards. Anything less risks eroding the very institution that upholds democracy and the rule of law.

With Ueitele set to deliver judgment on 27 March, the credibility of this ruling is already in jeopardy. Regardless of the outcome, the unanswered questions surrounding his impartiality will cast a long shadow over the case. The Judicial Service Commission must act swiftly and decisively to investigate these allegations. If wrongdoing is found, the consequences must be severe. Namibia cannot afford a compromised judiciary.