A pre-trial detention study conducted by researchers from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has revealed that about 43% of cases did not require detention or the pursuit of charges.

The study found that the issuance of admission-of-guilt fines was sufficient for those charges.

NUST researchers identified patterns of unjustified and possibly unlawful pre-trial detentions at Windhoek's Wanaheda, Katutura, and Otjomuise police stations. The study was limited to these police stations.

Over a period of just three months—from June to August 2024—199 police dockets were rejected by prosecutors, with nearly half of the detainees released due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crimes they were charged with.

The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Stefan Schultz, stated that each of these cases represents a human rights violation and a potential lawsuit against the state.

Dr. Schultz noted that more than 200 citizens in Windhoek alone are unlawfully detained.

In the last two weeks, the Windhoek High Court has awarded about N$150,000 to two individuals who were found to have been unlawfully detained and assaulted by the Namibian police.

The spokesperson for the Namibian Police Force, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, clarified the police force's position regarding the study.

According to her, the study, which initially began under the leadership of former Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga, involved the Namibian Correctional Service and the Prosecutor General's Office.

However, Shikwambi revealed that the police force only became aware of the draft findings of the Khomas-based study through social media, as no formal communication of the report was received for consideration.

Nampol emphasized that once the draft final report is formally communicated, cleared, and endorsed by the Inspector General's office, it will review and analyze its findings.