Security Firm Demands Retraction from Minister Over ‘Defamatory’ Claims
By Aneli Fura
A Windhoek-based security company has taken legal action against Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel, accusing him of making damaging public statements that have negatively affected its reputation and operations.
Bertha Security Services CC, through its legal representative Samuel Shinedima of Salomon Kanyemba Inc., issued a letter of demand on 27 March 2026, disputing claims that it failed to comply with minimum wage requirements. The company argues that the minister’s remarks, widely reported in the media, are false and misleading.
The dispute follows allegations that the minister instructed the Walvis Bay Municipality to withhold payments to the company over claims it owes security guards more than N$1.1 million in overtime wages. Instead, the municipality was reportedly directed to pay the affected employees directly.
However, the company has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the statements have unfairly portrayed it as non-compliant with labour laws. It further claims it was not given an opportunity to respond before the allegations were made public, describing the process as procedurally unfair and a violation of its right to be heard.
In its letter, the firm also argues that the minister exceeded his authority by intervening in what it describes as a contractual and labour matter that should be handled through established legal channels.
Additionally, Bertha Security Services has rejected claims that its actions amount to misappropriation of funds, calling the accusations baseless and defamatory. It also disputes the reported N$1.1 million owed to workers, describing the figure as exaggerated.
The company says it has already engaged with its employees on outstanding payments and entered into a settlement agreement overseen by a labour inspector, while also citing financial constraints linked to its contract.
