Social activist Michael Amushelelo has been fined N$5,000 or, alternatively, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of contempt of court. The ruling was delivered by Acting High Court Judge Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi, who stressed that the verdict should be seen as a stern warning against attacks on the judiciary.
The charge relates to public comments made by Amushelelo in which he referred to judges as “puppets” and “little gods” who serve the interests of those who appoint them—statements the court found to be deeply disrespectful and damaging to the integrity of the legal system.
In his plea for leniency, Amushelelo presented a picture of personal hardship. He told the court he is currently unemployed, raising a nine-year-old daughter, and living on the outskirts of Windhoek, where he cares for two young puppies and his elderly parents. He said he relies on the kindness of others to get by.
Expressing regret, Amushelelo explained that he had approached the courtroom with the mindset of an activist and did not fully understand the appropriate tone or language to use. “I didn’t intend to disrespect the court, but I now realise the consequences of my words,” he told the judge.
His lawyer, Nambili Mhata, argued that given Amushelelo’s status as a first-time offender and the non-violent nature of the charge, a fine or suspended sentence would be a more proportionate punishment. Amushelelo had even offered to pay a fine of N$300 and asked the court to consider the 48 hours he had already spent in custody.
However, Judge Hans-Kaumbi ruled that a stronger message was necessary to preserve public confidence in the justice system. “The independence of the judiciary is not negotiable,” she stated during sentencing.
Meanwhile, a separate contempt matter involving Amushelelo and Police Chief Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo is expected to return to court tomorrow.
