The civil case in which Keetmanshoop magistrate Unchen Konjore is being sued for N$500,000 has been referred to mediation scheduled for September 19.

Lucia Hamana alleges that Magistrate Konjore improperly presided over a maintenance matter despite being romantically involved with the maintenance complainant, who was Hamana’s husband. 

Hamana says that this represented a conflict of interest and resulted in an unfair judgement. 

She had initially sought N$200,000 in damages but recently increased the amount to N$500,000, citing emotional distress and reputational harm. 

Konjore has denied the allegations, arguing in court documents that she did not know Hamana when the case began and that there was no obligation for her to recuse herself. She also denied being in a romantic relationship with Hamana’s then husband.

She also defended the issuance of an arrest warrant as lawful and appropriate. 

Konjore has further requested that the Magistrate’s Commission be joined to the proceedings, on the grounds that she acted in her official capacity rather than in her personal capacity.

Hamana was ordered to pay child maintenance of N$1,600, despite concerns that the amount exceeded her financial means. 

Hamana’s inability to pay resulted in Konjore issuing a warrant for her arrest. 

Hamana was arrested and allegedly held overnight without food or water and granted bail the following day. 

Hamana also lodged a separate complaint with the Magistrates’ Commission, and spokesperson at the Judiciary Vikitoria Hango informed NBC News that the hearing was finalised and the outcome and recommendation were provided to the Magistrates’ Commission. 

Hango said that the Commission is now seized with the matter of whether to endorse the recommendation or not.