Zimbabwean judge appointed to top post in Namibia

Namibia's Judicial Service Commission has defended the appointment of a Zimbabwean judge as acting judge of the Supreme Court, saying the move was an attempt to address the lack of female representation on the Bench. New Era reports the appointment of Zimbabwean Judge Rita Makarau until 31 March 2024 caused uproar on social media. According to the chairperson of the commission, Sakeus Akweenda, the lack of female representation on the Supreme Court Bench remains an issue of significant concern. ‘In an effort to alleviate the Supreme Court's workload, the commission resolved to recommend the appointment of three female judges to serve on the Supreme Court Bench for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.’ The judges appointed are current High Court Judges Hannelie Prinsloo and Esi Schimming-Chase in addition to Makarau. According to the commission, Makarau ‘has extensive judicial experience which spans over 22 years and includes previous appointments as a judge and the Judge President of the High Court of Zimbabwe and a judge of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe. She currently serves as a judge of the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe.’ The commission added that Makarau's appointment was more to mentor Schimming-Chase and Prinsloo. The commission remained adamant the appointment has nothing to do with Makarau's political associations nor with Namibia's approaching elections. Legalbrief notes Makarau served as a judge during the Robert Mugabe regime.