Justicia Shipena
The government has paid approximately N$3.1 million in legal fees for its defence in the veterinary cordon fence case, also known as the red line case.
The payments were made to advocates Raymond Heathcote SC, Marius Boonzaaier, and Hermann Steyn.
A document dated 16 April 2025, seen by the Windhoek Observer, shows that the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises authorised the payments as part of outstanding civil litigation costs owed to various legal service providers.
The total amount approved for settlement of all civil litigation costs was over N$24 million.
Heathcote submitted an invoice of N$1.1 million for work done on 30 January 2025.
He represented the government in the Windhoek High Court with assistance from advocate Marius Boonzaaier.
Judge Shafimana Ueitele presided over the hearings from 20 to 31 January 2025 and delivered a judgement in February.
Heathcote later submitted another invoice of N$347,040 dated 11 February 2025.
Boonzaaier submitted two invoices, one for N$609,500 dated 3 February and another for N$34,500 dated 5 February 2025.
Advocate Hermann Steyn also represented the state. He submitted an invoice for N$917,700 dated 3 February and another for N$93,150 dated 5 February 2025.
The case was filed in 2021 by Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, who challenged the legality and constitutionality of the veterinary cordon fence.
The listed defendants were former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, the government, attorney general Festus Mbandeka, and Hango Nambinga from the directorate of veterinary services.
The document addressed to the executive director of the Office of the Attorney General, Nghidinua Daniel, said the decision was made under Section 23 of the State Finance Act of 1991.
The Treasury had received the payment requests on 10 April and processed them on 14 April 2025.
The payments cover legal services provided between 2023 and early 2025, with more than 80 invoices from over 40 law firms and advocates being approved.
H.D. Bossau & Co submitted an invoice for N$1 million dated 5 November 2024.
Advocate Herman Steyn submitted N$998,200 dated 8 October 2024.
Andreas-Hamunyela Legal Practitioners submitted two invoices, N$707,550 on 17 January 2025 and N$896,324 on 13 February 2025.
Advocate I.V. Maleka SC charged N$694,618 on 16 October 2024.
Advocate Thai Scott billed N$524,500 on 15 October 2024.
Advocate Eliaser Nekwaya invoiced N$517,500.00 for services on 16 January 2025.
Theunissen, Louw & Partners submitted two claims, N$893,850 and N$476,228, both dated 19 March 2025.
Koep & Partners billed N$283,325.69 on 16 December 2024.
Kanguuehi & Kavendjii Incorporated has three invoices totalling N$749,000.
Sisa Namandje & Co Inc submitted claims exceeding N$710,000.
Red Circle Consulting will be paid N$223,099.
Smaller payments include Linda Ndawiila (N$1,700), Natasha Basssingthwaighte (N$8,050), and Mugaviri Attorneys, with invoices ranging from N$1,220 to N$5,068.
Advocate Dr. James Diedericks submitted multiple invoices totalling N$360,000.
Other firms listed include Ellis Shilengudwa Incorporated, Francois Erasmus & Partners, Appolos Shimakeleni Lawyers, Greyling & Associates, and Sisa Namandje Inc.
