Covid-19 closes W’Bay magistrates’ court
16 July 2020 | Justice
Walvis Bay
The Walvis Bay magistrates’ court has been closed temporarily and all court proceedings have been suspended.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute called for the closure of the court yesterday, after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19. He said that the temporary closure of the court is aimed at reducing the further exposure of judicial officers, court officials and the general public.
The reopening date will be communicated at a later stage.
“The exact date for the resumption of services is not yet known, as we wait on the Ministry of Health and Social Services to fumigate the premises, ultimately making it safer for judicial officers, staff members and all our stakeholders,” Shivute said.
Chief magistrate Philanda Christiaan said that accused persons on bail or warning must ensure that they report to court at Walvis Bay as soon as the court reopens for business.
She said that criminal trials, partly heard matters and other scheduled appearances will be postponed in the absence of the accused for the period of the court’s closure.
First appearance cases will be dealt with by the Walvis Bay district magistrate assisted by the Swakopmund district magistrates.
With regards to other non-judicial services provided by the court, Office of the Judiciary executive director Rolanda van Wyk, urged the public to make use of the Swakopmund magistrates court for all other enquiries such as solemnisation of marriages, protection order applications, estates and legal aid applications amongst others.
The payment of maintenance is done via electronic funds transfer (EFT) and is therefore not affected by this temporary closure.
The Walvis Bay magistrates’ court has been closed temporarily and all court proceedings have been suspended.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute called for the closure of the court yesterday, after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19. He said that the temporary closure of the court is aimed at reducing the further exposure of judicial officers, court officials and the general public.
The reopening date will be communicated at a later stage.
“The exact date for the resumption of services is not yet known, as we wait on the Ministry of Health and Social Services to fumigate the premises, ultimately making it safer for judicial officers, staff members and all our stakeholders,” Shivute said.
Chief magistrate Philanda Christiaan said that accused persons on bail or warning must ensure that they report to court at Walvis Bay as soon as the court reopens for business.
She said that criminal trials, partly heard matters and other scheduled appearances will be postponed in the absence of the accused for the period of the court’s closure.
First appearance cases will be dealt with by the Walvis Bay district magistrate assisted by the Swakopmund district magistrates.
With regards to other non-judicial services provided by the court, Office of the Judiciary executive director Rolanda van Wyk, urged the public to make use of the Swakopmund magistrates court for all other enquiries such as solemnisation of marriages, protection order applications, estates and legal aid applications amongst others.
The payment of maintenance is done via electronic funds transfer (EFT) and is therefore not affected by this temporary closure.
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