Stefanus Nashama
The Windhoek Magistrate’s Court dismissed the case against social activist Michael Amushelelo and three City of Windhoek cleaners for allegedly inciting public violence after demanding salary increases.
This was confirmed on Wednesday by lawyer Kadhila Amoomo, who represented Amushelelo and the workers.
“The criminal political case of Michael Amushelelo was thrown out of court today,” he said.
Amushelelo represented contract cleaners in the City of Windhoek in February 2023, which led to his arrest and the arrests of three others: Immanuel Mbonda, Alfred Kashimbi Sabas, and Padelia Hamukwaya.
Workers, among other things, demanded fixed employment, improved wages, and benefits when the Special Field Force was called to disperse them.
Meanwhile, Kadhila Amoomo’s legal firm threatened to sue the state for unjustly arresting Amushelelo and the cleaners.
The firm also issued a strong warning to the police officers, advising them to avoid prosecuting Amushelelo for political reasons.
“We warned the police to stop prosecuting Michael Amushelelo for political reasons. We are now going to sue them again,” the firm stated.
According to Amushelelo, the arrest was intended to prevent social activists from advocating for the voiceless.
“Today we had to appear in court for yet another bogus case that was brought against me by the corrupt regime in an effort to silence my social justice activism,” he said.
He asserted that the government consistently employs this tactic to intimidate workers and discourage them from advocating for their rights.
Amushelelo claims that the state concealed the docket, fully aware that it had no case, in order to remove it from the court roll.
He added that the magistrate opposed the state’s application because the matter had been postponed several times due to the state not having its affairs in order.
“We are once again going to sue the Namibian Police Force and the Prosecutor General because they can’t continue abusing their powers of arresting people without having sufficient evidence, malicious prosecution, just with the hope of making quit from speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves,” said Amushelelo.
After a week in custody following their arrest, Amushelelo was freed on bail of N$3,000 while Mbonda, Sabas, and Hamukwaya were released on bail of N$1,000 each.
