Niël Terblanché
Namibian High Court Judge Safimana Ueitele finalized a restraining order against the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) and key members of its leadership, including President Epafras Mukwilongo, Deputy President Kalimbo Iipumbu, and party functionary Michael Amushelelo.
The court order prohibits them from engaging in any unlawful activities at various retail outlets across the country.
The judgment upholds the Rule Nisi issued on December 22, 2023, and is a response to incidents where the NEFF members allegedly threatened to shut down shops owned by the Rani Group following the suspension of around 100 workers from Employee Placement Services of Namibia (EPSN). The EPSN is owned by Gotty Ndjedjela, a Tsumeb constituency councillor.
The court’s order explicitly restrains the NEFF and its members from various illegal activities, including demanding the closure of retail premises, threatening customers and employees, and engaging in unlawful protests, harassment, and disruption of businesses.
Additionally, the order prevents them from coming within 200 meters of the retailers’ premises and inciting others to commit similar prohibited acts.
The ruling represents a significant development in the ongoing tension between the NEFF and certain business entities in Namibia.
The judge ordered the four respondents to pay the costs of the application.
The court’s decision to finalize the restraining order stresses the importance of lawful protest and the role of the judiciary in upholding order and preventing intimidation and harassment in business operations.
