Sostenus Wilherm

Namibia’s deputy chief justice Petrus Damaseb has been nominated to serve on a presidential commission of inquiry in Tanzania tasked with investigating the violence that occurred after the country’s 2025 general elections.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced that chief justice Peter Shivute made the nomination following a request from the Tanzanian authorities for Namibia to provide a serving or retired High Court judge to serve on the commission.

The JSC said Damaseb was considered suitable for the role due to his extensive judicial and administrative experience, particularly given the sensitivity and complexity of the matters the commission will investigate.

Damaseb currently serves as Deputy Chief Justice of Namibia, Judge President of the High Court and an ex officio member of the Supreme Court.

The commission members will be sworn into office on a date to be determined by the Government of Tanzania.

The JSC said arrangements will be made to ensure that Damaseb’s judicial responsibilities in Namibia continue without disruption during his participation in the inquiry.

The JSC expressed confidence that Damaseb’s involvement will reflect the reputation of Namibia’s judiciary and contribute to the work of the commission as it seeks to establish the causes of the post-election violence and make recommendations on the way forward.