Environmental Crimes Court makes progress in Otjiwarongo
Special wildlife court delivers results
The special court focuses solely on handling wildlife crime cases, helping to clear the backlog of existing cases while expediting new ones.
The establishment of a first-of-its-kind specialised Environmental Crimes Court in Otjiwarongo has made notable progress in adjudicating wildlife-related crime cases since it began operations at the start of the year.
Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the environment ministry, said the development of the court required careful planning among key government stakeholders, including the Office of the Prosecutor General, the justice ministry and the judiciary.
He added that NGOs and funding partners responded positively and enthusiastically to the idea, recognising it as a crucial initiative to help clear the backlog of existing wildlife-crime cases while expediting new cases.
The initiative forms part of the national wildlife protection strategy to aid in the fight against wildlife crime.
“This court focuses on environmental crime cases and it will improve the speed and response in handling wildlife crime cases, which, in our view, will assist in the prevention of wildlife crime,” said Muyunda.
On a roll
The court officially began operations in January after being inaugurated by vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in August 2024.
Muyunda said while several cases have already been heard, staff are diligently working to establish a court roll and transfer cases from other courts in the region that fall within its jurisdiction.
“We are indeed excited with the establishment of the Environmental Crimes Court, which demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s wildlife and natural environment through a partnership approach to the investigation and prosecution of environmental and wildlife crime," he said.
The court is staffed with a dedicated magistrate and a senior prosecutor. Support staff have also been allocated to assist.
Muyunda said the ministry is equally pleased with the progress of implementing special wildlife courts across the rest of the country.
In 2024, special wildlife courts were held in Ohakati, Rundu and Katima Mulilo, respectively, to address a combined total of 181 cases, of which 102 were finalised.
“The special courts play a significant role in clearing the backlog of wildlife crime cases," Muyunda said.
Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the environment ministry, said the development of the court required careful planning among key government stakeholders, including the Office of the Prosecutor General, the justice ministry and the judiciary.
He added that NGOs and funding partners responded positively and enthusiastically to the idea, recognising it as a crucial initiative to help clear the backlog of existing wildlife-crime cases while expediting new cases.
The initiative forms part of the national wildlife protection strategy to aid in the fight against wildlife crime.
“This court focuses on environmental crime cases and it will improve the speed and response in handling wildlife crime cases, which, in our view, will assist in the prevention of wildlife crime,” said Muyunda.
On a roll
The court officially began operations in January after being inaugurated by vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in August 2024.
Muyunda said while several cases have already been heard, staff are diligently working to establish a court roll and transfer cases from other courts in the region that fall within its jurisdiction.
“We are indeed excited with the establishment of the Environmental Crimes Court, which demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s wildlife and natural environment through a partnership approach to the investigation and prosecution of environmental and wildlife crime," he said.
The court is staffed with a dedicated magistrate and a senior prosecutor. Support staff have also been allocated to assist.
Muyunda said the ministry is equally pleased with the progress of implementing special wildlife courts across the rest of the country.
In 2024, special wildlife courts were held in Ohakati, Rundu and Katima Mulilo, respectively, to address a combined total of 181 cases, of which 102 were finalised.
“The special courts play a significant role in clearing the backlog of wildlife crime cases," Muyunda said.
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