Omuthiya: Residents of Omuthiya and neighbouring communities will soon have easier access to judicial services, with the official opening of court operations at the Omuthiya Periodical Court on Monday, 08 June 2026. The new court services are expected to improve access to justice in the Oshikoto Region by reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to obtain legal and court-related services.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the acquired property in Omuthiya will serve as a temporary courthouse that ensures continuity of services until a larger, purpose-built, and more inclusive permanent facility is completed. Vikitoria Hango, spokesperson for the Office of the Judiciary, emphasized that the Omuthiya Periodical Court will provide the full spectrum of judicial and administrative services available at magistrates' courts nationwide.
These services include criminal proceedings, solemnisation of marriages, handling of maintenance disputes, domestic violence matters, children's court cases, payment of court and traffic fines, disbursement of witness fees, and receiving and refunding of bail payments. To enhance user experience, the court features a victim-friendly room for cases involving minors. Children will be able to follow proceedings via a live screen from this private space. Additionally, an overflow screen will be placed outside the main courtroom to accommodate members of the public during busy sessions.
Hango highlighted that two prosecutors, one magistrate, and two clerks will be stationed at the court to ensure efficient operations. Security has also been prioritised, as explained by Emmanuel Ntemwa, Deputy Director of Security and Risk Management Services. The court is equipped with electric fences, alarm systems, and live CCTV coverage linked directly to the regional police headquarters. Police will monitor the system 24/7 to safeguard judicial officers, prosecutors, legal practitioners, and all court users.
This new periodical court is expected to reduce travel burdens, speed up case resolutions, and deliver justice closer to the communities of Omuthiya and surrounding areas, representing a key milestone in expanding equitable access to Namibia's justice system.