Former chief justice Johan Strydom dies at 88

Former Chief Justice of Namibia Johan Strydom has died at the age of 88.

Strydom died on 25 September 2026 in Swakopmund, the Judiciary announced.

He was appointed Namibia’s third chief justice in 1999, succeeding Ishmail Mohamed, and served until 2003. He continued serving as an acting judge of the Supreme Court until 2015.

The Judiciary said Strydom made a significant contribution to strengthening the rule of law and judicial independence, with his jurisprudence spanning constitutional, administrative, criminal and commercial law, as well as insolvency and admiralty law.

His 38 years of public service were marked by numerous judgments and senior judicial positions.

The Judiciary described Strydom as a dedicated leader who served Namibia with distinction and extended condolences to his family, friends and the legal fraternity.