Government denies liability in N$2.2m Ingrid Maasdorp lawsuit

Government has disputed allegations in a N$2.2 million civil lawsuit that six-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, who was brutally murdered last year, was abducted from school and that education authorities were negligent.

The lawsuit was filed in March by Dolly Maasdorp, Ingrid's grandmother and primary caregiver.

Maasdorp says her Grade 0 granddaughter was kidnapped from KW von Marees Combined School in Okahandja on 20 March 2025 before her body was discovered the following day. Maasdorp is seeking N$2 million for emotional pain and suffering, as well as a further N$200 000 for psychological counselling.

In court papers submitted to the Windhoek High Court, the State, however, argues that Ingrid never arrived at school on the day in question.

Not at school

According to the defence, learners attended classes from 08:00 until 10:30 before being dismissed ahead of the Independence Day public holiday, but Ingrid was absent throughout.

The government argues that this means the child was never in the school's care, rejecting claims that she was kidnapped from its premises.

The State also disputes allegations that the education ministry failed in its legal duty to provide a safe learning environment or that any actions of ministry employees contributed to Ingrid's disappearance and death.

On the issue of school security, government maintains that any guards stationed at the school were employed by a private contractor and not by the ministry and therefore denies it can be held vicariously liable for their conduct.

The damages claim is also being challenged, with the State arguing that Maasdorp has not provided calculations or expert evidence to substantiate the amount being claimed.

The matter has since been referred to mediation. The parties have until 24 July to file a draft mediation referral order, failing which they are expected to appear before the High Court on 28 July.