The government has denied allegations that six-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp was abducted from school or that education authorities were negligent, in response to a N$2.2 million civil claim brought by her grandmother and caregiver, Dolly Maasdorp.

The claim was filed in the High Court in March this year, one year after Ingrid, a Grade 0 learner, disappeared and was later found dead. The lawsuit alleges that she was abducted from K.W. von Marees Combined School in Okahandja and seeks damages from the state.

In a plea filed in June, the government's legal representative, Ndamonao Ilovu, denied liability.

According to the plea, Ingrid did not attend school on 20 March 2025. The document states that learners attended classes from 08:00 until 10:30 that day before being dismissed ahead of the public holiday on 21 March.

It further states: "The deceased did not report for school duties during the hours of 08h00 to 10h30 on the said day."

On that basis, the government argues that Ingrid was not under the school's care on the day in question and denies allegations that she was abducted from the school premises.

The plea also rejects claims that the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture breached its duty of care or that any actions or omissions by ministry employees contributed to Ingrid's disappearance or death.

The matter has been referred to court-connected mediation.

The parties have until 24 July to file a draft mediation referral order.