Amushelelo fined N$5 000 for contempt of court
Social activist Michael Amushelelo (34) has been sentenced to a fine of N$5 000 or alternatively a six-month prison term for contempt of court.
Amushelelo was found guilty of contempt of court on Monday by acting judge Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi, who also sentenced him to six months' imprisonment, suspended in full for two years. on condition that he is not convicted of contempt of court again within that period.
“This sentence serves as a clear message to you and to society that the courts of justice must be respected at all times,” Hans-Kaumbi said yesterday after she had announced the fine.
Hans-Kaumbi said the primary objective of contempt proceedings is to uphold the reputation and orderliness of the court. “Judicial independence ensures that judges make decisions based solely on the law and facts, free from external pressures, including those from the government or public opinion."
'Charity case'
During his sentencing mitigation, Amushelelo, who represented himself, informed the judge that he is currently unemployed.
He added that he has a nine-year-old daughter, whose school fees he pays through donations, as well as parents who rely on him both financially and for guidance. “I am a charity case. I live off donations from good Samaritans,” he said.
Amushelelo requested that the court consider a sentence of 48 hours in detention or a fine of N$300, taking into account the time he had already spent in detention before the sentencing.
Amushelelo was found guilty of contempt of court on Monday by acting judge Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi, who also sentenced him to six months' imprisonment, suspended in full for two years. on condition that he is not convicted of contempt of court again within that period.
“This sentence serves as a clear message to you and to society that the courts of justice must be respected at all times,” Hans-Kaumbi said yesterday after she had announced the fine.
Hans-Kaumbi said the primary objective of contempt proceedings is to uphold the reputation and orderliness of the court. “Judicial independence ensures that judges make decisions based solely on the law and facts, free from external pressures, including those from the government or public opinion."
'Charity case'
During his sentencing mitigation, Amushelelo, who represented himself, informed the judge that he is currently unemployed.
He added that he has a nine-year-old daughter, whose school fees he pays through donations, as well as parents who rely on him both financially and for guidance. “I am a charity case. I live off donations from good Samaritans,” he said.
Amushelelo requested that the court consider a sentence of 48 hours in detention or a fine of N$300, taking into account the time he had already spent in detention before the sentencing.
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