Sostenus Wilherm

The office of the judiciary has announced a nationwide amnesty period for motorists with outstanding traffic admission of guilt fines, providing an opportunity to settle unpaid fines from 3 August to 30 September.

The amnesty applies to outstanding traffic admission of guilt fines, including those for which the payment deadline has already expired.

Members of the public can make payments in person at the court where their notice to appear in court was issued during normal working hours on weekdays.

Alternatively, payments can be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into the designated Office of the Judiciary bank account for the relevant district court.

Motorists must use the summons number (printed in red at the top right of the notice to appear in court) together with the place of trial as the payment reference.

Proof of payment must then be submitted to the designated contact person at the applicable district court.

The Office of the Judiciary has published banking details and contact information for all district courts, including Windhoek, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Swakopmund, Keetmanshoop and Oshakati divisions.

The Judiciary has clarified that the amnesty relates only to the payment of outstanding traffic admission of guilt fines.

“Any outstanding warrants of arrest or further court proceedings will continue to be dealt with in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, with the finalisation of each matter remaining subject to the direction of the presiding magistrate and the applicable legal process” the Judiciary stated in a press release issued on Monday.

According to the Office of the Judiciary, the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to improve compliance with traffic laws, reduce the backlog of unresolved traffic cases and promote the efficient administration of justice.

“Members of the public are encouraged to make use of the amnesty period to regularise their outstanding traffic matters”.

Those requiring assistance are advised to contact their nearest district court or the Office of the Judiciary for guidance.