High Court orders immediate action in National Youth Council case

The High Court has issued a ruling in the matter between the National Youth Council (NYC) and protestors following a legal challenge regarding disruptions at the NYC’s premises in Windhoek. The court heard the application brought by the NYC and individuals, including Beverly Silas-Igaras, Dominic Mukumba, and the Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, against William Minnie, Julia Nekwaya, Jafet Amakali, and the Inspector General of the Namibian Police.

The court ruled that the applicant’s non-compliance with the prescribed periods for service and procedural requirements be condoned, including the failure to comply with the Practice Directive regarding the setting of urgent applications. The matter has been enrolled as one of urgency under Rule 73(3) of the court’s rules.

The court issued a Rule Nisi, calling upon the first to third respondents to show cause on 18 February 2025 why an order should not be made final, interdicting them from disturbing the operations of the NYC, restricting access to its premises, intimidating staff, locking the premises, or switching off power. The applicants were ordered to post a copy of the court order at the entrance of the NYC premises in Windhoek, and the Inspector General of the Namibian Police was instructed to enforce the order. The court ruled that the order would operate with immediate effect, pending the final determination of the matter.

Moreover, the respondents are required to file their answering affidavits by 24 January 2025, while the applicants must submit their replying affidavits by 31 January 2025, if necessary. Both parties are also required to file their heads of argument by 11 February 2025 (for the applicants) and 13 February 2025 (for the respondents). The matter has been postponed to 18 February 2025 for the rule nisi return date.