The Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court has temporarily been closed and all court services have been suspended.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute called for the closure of the court after a court staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
The temporary closure of the court aims at reducing the further exposure of judicial officers, court officials and the general public.
“The exact date for the resumption of services is not yet known as we await the Ministry of
Health and Social Services to fumigate the court premises, ultimately making it safer for judicial
officers, staff members and all our stakeholders”, Chief Justice Shivute noted.
Criminal trials, part-heard matters and other scheduled appearances will be postponed in the
absence of the accused of the period of the court’s closure.
First appearance cases will be dealt with by the Walvis Bay District Magistrate assisted by the Swakopmund District Magistrate’s Court.
Philanda Christiaan, the Chief Magistrate emphasised that accused persons on bail or warning must ensure that they report to the court at Walvis Bay as soon as the court reopens for business.
The date of the re-opening of the court will be communicated to the public at a later stage.
With regards to other non-judicial services provided for by the court, Office of the Judiciary
Executive Director, Mrs Rolanda van Wyk, noted; “The public is urged to make use of the
Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court for all other enquiries such as solemnisation of marriages,
protection order applications, estates and legal aid applications amongst others. The payment
of maintenance is done via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and is therefore not affected by this
temporary closure.”
