Justice Minister Wise Immanuel has decided not to go forward with an urgent application in which he sought a court interdict to stop the ongoing partial work stoppage by magistrates. 

The High Court confirmed that the applications will be removed from the roll, and only the issue of costs remains to be determined.

During proceedings, lawyers for the magistrates presented court reports showing that disruptions in operations were largely caused by technical problems rather than the industrial action. 

The magistrate in Okakarara reported that non-functional recording equipment disrupted proceedings for approximately three weeks.

In Luderitz, the magistrate was scheduled to handle one case from 5 to 7 November, and this case has been finalised despite the strike. 

The court noted similar findings across other reports, showing that some claims of disruption were overstated.

The magistrates also argued that the application raised constitutional questions about the standing of a member of the executive to issue instructions to judicial officers. 

They further submitted that, because the application was withdrawn and had not been argued, the Justice Minister should pay the costs of the respondents.

Judgement for costs will be delivered on December 15.