Allexer Namundjembo
Keetmanshoop District Magistrate Unchen Konjore is facing disciplinary action following a formal complaint that she presided over a maintenance case involving her former partner, raising concerns about a conflict of interest and judicial misconduct.
The complaint, lodged by Lucia Sofia Hamana on 18 March 2024 with the Magistrates’ Commission, accuses Konjore of failing to disclose her personal relationship with Heinrich Makanga Kambuli Karawora, the complainant in the matter she adjudicated.
A letter of demand from Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, seen by the Windhoek Observer, outlines the allegations.
The attorneys argue that Konjore’s personal connection to the complainant compromised her impartiality and violated the Magistrates’ Code of Conduct, which requires judicial officers to uphold public trust and avoid conflicts of interest.
Konjore reportedly imposed a N$1 600 monthly maintenance order against Hamana without sufficient evidence or proper consideration of her financial capacity.
The letter further alleges that Hamana was not allowed to present her case fully and that her evidence was disregarded.
Following the order, Hamana fell into arrears.
An arrest warrant signed by Konjore on 4 January 2024 led to Hamana’s detention on 15 February 2024. She was held under poor conditions, including lack of food and water, and was later granted bail after appearing in court the next day.
The matter escalated after Hamana discovered that Konjore and Karawora had a child together and were reportedly living together with the children Hamana was ordered to support. This revelation deepened the concerns about the fairness of the ruling.
The judiciary confirmed that five complaints and one petition had been lodged against Konjore to date.
According to a document seen by Windhoek Observer, three of the complaints and the petition were dismissed.
Two complaints are still under disciplinary review, including the one filed by Hamana.
“It is confirmed that this complaint is one of the two complaints that are subject to an ongoing disciplinary process,” the judiciary stated.
The commission clarified that the complaint does not allege a romantic relationship between Konjore and the complainant but rather involves the complainant’s former spouse.
In the letter of demand, Hamana’s legal team is seeking N$200,000 in damages, to be paid by 21 April 2025, citing harm to her dignity, liberty, and constitutional rights.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Konjore were unsuccessful as she did not respond to questions sent to her mobile number on Sunday.
The Magistrates’ Commission said it will not issue further comment while the matter is before the Disciplinary Committee.
