Immanuel orders legal intervention in Ongwediva family eviction

Justice minister Wise Immanuel has intervened to protect a family in Ongwediva facing eviction after their home was allegedly sold without their consent.

The minister, who underwent a minor medical procedure last week and is still booked off, acted swiftly after the matter was brought to his attention, directing the ministry’s legal aid team to immediately attend to the case on the ground.

His intervention has, for now, halted the eviction process.

Officials were instructed to identify willing family members to serve as applicants in an urgent court application aimed at stopping the eviction, while simultaneously assisting them to complete legal aid applications on-site.

Approval for state-funded legal representation was granted by midday yesterday, with oversight measures put in place involving the ministry’s executive director Audrin Mathe and legal aid authorities.

Immanuel further directed that legal counsel be urgently appointed to file the necessary court papers. Lawyer Slogan Matheus of Slogan Matheus and Associates Incorporated – who had initially withdrawn from assisting the family due to financial constraints – has since been reinstated through legal aid support to handle the urgent application.

The intervention forms part of a two-pronged approach. While immediate efforts are focused on stopping the eviction, a longer-term legal strategy will review the legality of the disputed property sale, with the aim of potentially setting it aside.

Fairness and hope

NBC last week reported on the plight of the destitute family, who had been given just seven days to vacate their home.

The property, which once belonged to the late Meekulu Riridis Kuutondokwa, her grandchild, and the grandchild’s husband, was allegedly transferred without the knowledge or consent of the family, reportedly by a Zimbabwean national related to the family through marriage.

NBC yesterday quoted family head Ester Martin (66) welcoming the minister’s intervention, saying the family has no means to secure alternative accommodation or develop a new property.

Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, Immanuel emphasised that government remains committed to safeguarding citizens’ rights.

“The dignity of our citizens remains our highest priority, and my ministry stands as the refuge where every justice seeker must find protection, fairness and hope,” he said.