Chinatown shop owner loses car after mistreating worker

A Chinatown retail shop owner, Li Bailong, had his Toyota bakkie attached by a deputy sheriff after failing to settle a High Court judgment of N$230 000 awarded to a former employee for wrongful dismissal and mistreatment.

The attachment took place on 27 January, after Bailong failed to pay the court-ordered amount within the stipulated period.

The case dates back to November 2021, when Bailong fired shop assistant Itakeya George over a minor textile-related error. Evidence presented to the High Court showed that during the dismissal, Bailong ordered George to remove her work uniform in front of customers and colleagues.

When George objected, saying she would be naked, Bailong reportedly told her to find a cardboard box to cover herself. The court ruled that his conduct was degrading and humiliating.

Deserving of dignity

In a judgment delivered in August 2025, High Court judge Thomas Masuku described Bailong’s actions as “debased” and said he had treated George as a “chattel” rather than a human being deserving dignity. The court awarded George N$230 000 in damages.

Bailong attempted to appeal the ruling, but the matter was struck from the roll in December 2025 after his legal team failed to meet procedural requirements, including payment of security for costs. The dismissal left the High Court judgment intact.

Following his continued failure to pay, the deputy sheriff moved to attach Bailong’s vehicle to enforce the judgment. Under Namibian law, movable property can be seized and sold at public auction when a judgment debtor defaults.

George is represented by Henry Shimutwikeni & Co Inc, who have confirmed that the vehicle will be sold at public auction to recover the outstanding amount.

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