Iuze Mukube

A summary of cases that were before the Namibian courts this week for continuation of trial proceedings.

Girlfriend ‘killer’ case

Immanuel Venonja (25), who is accused of murdering his girlfriend and mother of his child, Elisabeth Uwu-Khaes, by stabbing her in the back with a knife on 31 May 2024 in Otavi, appeared for the continuation of his trial in the Windhoek High Court this week.

The matter was set for Venonja to lead his evidence through his testimony. 

The matter continues for further proceedings.

The State alleges that Venonja, while drinking at a local bar in Otavi, approached the deceased and stabbed her with a knife in the back and that he allegedly prevented bystanders from taking Uwu-Khaes to a local healthcare centre when she collapsed.

Murder accused duo

Two young men, Quanito van Vuuren and Moses Sam, who are accused of killing, raping and robbing bank manager Vernon John Gavin (53) on 30 December 2023 in Walvis Bay, also appeared in court for the continuation of their trial. 

The matter is at the stage of the state calling its witnesses. 

Additionally, the matter is proceeding from a trial within a trial where oral admissions allegedly made by the two to police officers were ruled inadmissible last week on 31 July 2025. 

The State alleges that the two, in common purpose, overpowered the deceased in his home, tied his ankles, raped him and stuffed a cloth in his mouth, leading to his death, this following being invited to his home to drink beer and smoke cigarettes. 

It is also alleged that they stole possessions from the home belonging to the deceased.

Judicial independence 

Although not a continuation, the Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association are again bringing the government to court for allegedly unilaterally deciding and administering their employment benefit and other terms of service without their input.

They are seeking an intervention from the court, citing that the executives, who are the minister of finance and the minister of justice, are undermining constitutional principles, and thereby seek review of the sections of the Magistrates’ Act that give these two executives such powers that should be entrusted to the Magistrates Commission.

The matter is before the High Court in a review application.

Entrepo’s dilemma

Microlender Entrepo Finance has reportedly announced that it will no longer be granting new loans, an aftermath of the Ministry of Finance’s decision to discontinue payroll deductions for microlenders through the Payroll Deductions Management System (PDMS). 

The company contends that the decision has adversely affected its business operations, and its legal challenge against the ministry’s decision remains ongoing before the High Court. 

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