Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The High Court has ordered the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security to pay N$1.3 million in settlements to the family of Joseph Kautjingu Ndondji.
This follows a civil claim instituted after Ndondji (34) was shot and killed during a joint operation in Rundu on 3 March 2023.
He was thought to be in possession of a pangolin skin.
The settlement was finalised on 4 December 2024 and addresses the loss of support and emotional suffering endured by Ndondji’s parents and seven minor children.
The agreement specifies that each ministry will contribute N$433 300, with payments facilitated through the law firm Bernhard Tjatjara and Co., representing the plaintiffs.
The claim, filed on behalf of Joseph’s estate by the executrix Anton Maria, sought N$3.3 million in damages, including N$300,000 for the loss of parental support and N$2 million for the children’s maintenance.
The final settlement amount of N$1.3 million was reached through negotiations.
Anton, the father Satjingo Antonio, and the mother Kanyana Linda, filed a claim against the government for damages caused by the unlawful killing
The incident occurred at AMTA in Rundu, where Ndondji, a self-employed butcher, was shot in the abdomen during a joint operation involving NAMPOL, the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), and employees of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.
“On 3 March 2023, members of the first, second, and third defendants wrongfully and unlawfully killed Joseph Kautjingu Ndondji by shooting him with a firearm,” read the particulars of claim.
The claim further highlights that Ndondji provided financial support to his elderly parents, who have no other means of sustenance, as well as his children, who remain dependent on him for education and daily needs.
The settlement also includes provisions for legal costs.
The government has 90 days to pay these costs, which are to be determined through agreement or by the taxing master.
