A recent study by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has uncovered alarming levels of pre-trial detention in Namibia, with approximately 185 out of every 100,000 citizens held without trial.
This figure significantly exceeds the African average of 33.7 per 100,000.
Presented on January 16 at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court, the research involved Namibia Police representatives and the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Focusing on Wanaheda, Katutura, and Otjomuise police stations, it examined cases from June to August 2024 to highlight potentially unlawful detentions.
Principal investigator Stefan Schulz revealed that prosecutors ordered the release of detainees in 199 cases due to insufficient evidence.
Notably, nearly 50 individuals were detained without any link to crimes recorded in police dockets during the study period. Extrapolated annually, this suggests 200 such cases in Windhoeks alone.
The study found that 25% of detentions were terminated due to lack of prima facie evidence, while 43.7% ended with directions to issue admission-of-guilt fines.
Schulz warned that such practices could lead to significant human rights violations and expose the state to civil liability.
Systemic challenges such as police understaffing and workload pressures were cited as key factors affecting the quality of investigations and decision-making.
Deputy police commissioner Kauna Shikwambi acknowledged the study’s origins during former inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga’s tenure and stated that the findings would be reviewed for potential improvements.
