The High Court will be holding circuit sittings in the Kavango East and Zambezi regions next month in an effort to bring justice closer to the people, alleviate the load of criminal cases on the courts, and make the presence of the superior courts felt.

The High Court, in accordance with the High Court Act, has two designated sittings: the main division in Windhoek and a local division in Oshakati.

The Judge President, however, has the right to authorise sittings of the High Court elsewhere in Namibia if deemed necessary in the interest of justice.

A statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations in the Judiciary, Vikitoria Hango, says the move to conduct circuit sittings in the Kavango East and Zambezi regions was taken after extensive consultation with various stakeholders, with the aim of promoting access to justice in regions that may encounter geographical and logistical challenges.

During the first half of August 2023, Judge President Petrus Damaseb will preside over the circuit court in the Kavango East Region before moving to the Zambezi Region from the 17th to the 31st of August.

The two regions will host eight High Court criminal trials during this period.

Rundu and Katima Mulilo, the respective capitals of Kavango East and Zambezi regions, respectively, will serve as the locations for these crucial hearings.

This move will not only reduce the burden on the main division in Windhoek but also offer a more accessible avenue for justice to be served for the citizens residing in the north-eastern parts of Namibia.