Windhoek: Namibia's Deputy Chief Justice, Petrus Damaseb, has been nominated to serve as a member of a presidential commission of inquiry established by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to investigate post-election violence. The nomination was announced by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Chief Justice Peter Shivute nominated Damaseb following a request from Tanzanian authorities, conveyed through the Government of Namibia, for the nomination of a serving or retired judge of the High Court of Namibia. The Criminal Investigation Commission was established to investigate the root causes of violence that occurred in the aftermath of Tanzania's general elections held on 29 October 2025.

The commission said Chief Justice Shivute consulted the JSC before making the nomination. Following deliberations, the JSC endorsed Justice Damaseb's appointment, saying the nature of the inquiry required a senior judicial officer with extensive judicial and administrative experience, the statement said.

The JSC said the members of the Tanzanian commission will be sworn into office on a date yet to be announced by the Tanzanian government. To ensure the continued functioning of Namibia's courts, the JSC said arrangements will be put in place once the commission's programme has been finalised. These measures will ensure the uninterrupted adjudication of matters assigned to Damaseb in both the Supreme Court and the High Court, while also maintaining the administration of the High Court during his service on the commission.

The JSC expressed confidence that Justice Damaseb's participation would reflect the high standing of the Namibian judiciary and make a meaningful contribution to what it described as an important regional undertaking.