Justicia Shipena
The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) has filed a lawsuit against Christine Hoebes, special advisor to the president, for failing to repay two livestock loans dating back to 2015.
Court documents show that Hoebes entered into two loan agreements with AgriBank on 3 March 2015.
The first loan of N$193 000 was for the purchase of 26 cows and one bull. It carried an annual interest rate of 4% over a 10-year repayment period.
The second loan of N$7 000 was meant for a goat ram and a sheep ram, repayable over eight years at the same interest rate. The livestock served as security for the loans.
AgriBank reserved the right to demand full repayment if the Hoebes defaulted.
A pledge and cession of livestock was registered, transferring ownership of the animals to AgriBank until full settlement.
The bank could also issue a certificate of indebtedness as proof of the amount owed.
AgriBank claims Hoebes fell into arrears and failed to pay despite written demands.
The bank says all its obligations were fulfilled, and the total outstanding balances immediately became due.
As of 10 April 2025, Hoebes allegedly owed N$223 181.16 under the first loan and N$10 268.37 under the second, both attracting 5.5% monthly interest from 31 August 2025.
Certificates confirming the debt were signed by AgriBank’s chief financial officer.
The bank is asking the court to order payment of the outstanding amounts, interest until a full settlement, and legal costs.
Agribank is represented by Tjitemisa & Associates, with attorney Vevangaune Bradley Tjindjo acting on its behalf.
Hoebes was given 10 days from the date of service to indicate her intention to defend.
The case later entered the settlement phase.
According to a court order issued on 28 October 2025 by High Court judge Boas Usiku, both parties informed the court that the matter had been settled and were finalising a formal settlement agreement.
However, the settlement has not yet been signed. In its status report submitted ahead of a 17 September 2025 case planning conference, AgriBank told the court it had emailed the draft settlement to Hoebes on 6 October 2025 and sent several follow-ups without response.
“The defendant still hasn’t signed the settlement agreement,” the bank reported, requesting that the matter be postponed to 5 November 2025 to allow time for signing.
It also warned that if Hoebes failed to sign, it would seek summary judgement.
Hoebes’ legal team confirmed the settlement in principle but said their client had “a few minor issues” with the draft.
They said Hoebes instructed her lawyers on 22 October 2025 to engage AgriBank’s attorneys about the proposed amendments.
The defence also asked for a postponement to 5 November 2025 to finalise the agreement.
Usiku is expected to review progress during a status hearing on 19 November 2025.
