Allexer Namundjembo
The High Court has ordered Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member Petrina Nghipudilo yaShiindi to pay N$10,000 towards the legal costs of air marshal Martin Pinehas, within 24 months.
The payment forms part of a settlement agreement in a defamation lawsuit filed by Pinehas after yaShiindi claimed on social media that he was plotting to assassinate IPC leader Panduleni Itula.
The allegations were made in a TikTok video posted on 27 November 2024, during the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Pinehas denied the claims, calling them false, dangerous, and damaging to his reputation as a senior military officer.
Despite a public apology issued by yaShiindi later, admitting that her statements were unfounded and misinformed, Pinehas proceeded to sue her for N$500,000 in damages.
Court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show that the deed of settlement was signed on 27 May and 9 June 2025.
As part of the agreement, yaShiindi must issue a public apology via her social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and all WhatsApp groups she belongs to.
The settlement also includes a mutual agreement that neither party will pursue further legal action related to this matter.
Should yaShiindi fail to pay the agreed amount, Pinehas may obtain a writ of execution from the court registrar without needing an additional order.
The High Court ordered that the apology and payment must begin no later than the end of July 2025.
