The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, Security, Constitutional and Legal Affairs (HASCLA) is conducting oversight engagements with selected Organizations, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs) under their ambit in Swakopmund, Erongo Region. So far, the Committee met the Magistrates Commission to discuss staffing issues, backlog of cases and delays experienced in the conclusion of cases, particularly petty cases which has resulted in the overcrowding of holding cells, amongst other issues. Responding to questions during the engagement, Acting Chief Magistrate, Ingrid Uunengu stated that a successful Magistrates Commission requires the cooperation of all key players in the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, social workers, investigators, prosecutors, interpreters, other OMAS and the Magistrates themselves. The engagement also uncovered that there is a need for legal reforms to address the challenges experienced. During the engagement with the Office of the Ombudsman, Chairperson of the Standing Committee Hon. John Likando identified urban poverty and the repossession of houses by commercial banks, lack of housing and the exploitation of the country’s resources and minerals in terms of value addition as issues that need urgent attention. Echoing the sentiments, Ombudsman, Advocate Basilius Dyakugha stressed that the people must be able to benefit from the country’s natural resources to address this poverty, so that they enjoy in the abundant wealth of the country.
The Committee is further expected to probe the Ministry of Justice into the delay of the promulgation of the Witness Protection Act No. 11 of 2017 and the Whistle blower Protection Act No. 10 of 2017. The Committee will also interrogate the line Ministry on the delays in the tabling of the High Court Amendment Bill of 2021 and the Magistrate’s Court Amendment Bill of 2021. The Committee held a one-day workshop on oversight, public hearings and questioning techniques ahead of the exercise with EPDN Program key expert, Tony Tsekpo in order to be better prepared and sharpened for the task ahead. OMAs meeting the Committee in the execution of their oversight function include the Ministry of Justice, Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption Commission. The meetings which started on Tuesday, 25 July will conclude tomorrow, Thursday, 27 July 2023. During the exercise, the Standing Committee will also undertake activities aimed at strengthening their oversight function.
About the Home Affairs, Security, Constitutional and Legal Affairs (HASCLA) Standing Committee: As per article 74(2) of the Namibian Constitution and Rule 156 (1) of the National Council Standing Rules and Orders (as amended), the HASCLA Committee is mandated to deal with issues falling under the ambit of Offices, Ministries, Agencies and public enterprises dealing with justice, international relations and cooperation, safety and security, veterans’ affairs and defense, home affairs, security, constitutional and legal affairs.
