The Windhoek High Court has removed from its roll the civil case involving Spitzkoppe tourist guide Melvin ||Areseb, which was scheduled for case management on 21 January, after the matter was referred to court-connected mediation. 

The removal follows a case planning conference held in December, during which the parties agreed to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. 

The matter has now been postponed to 11 March, when it will return to court for a mediation referral update. 

Court-connected mediation allows parties to attempt to resolve disputes through a structured settlement process without placing the matter before a judge.

||Areseb is suing NamPol and three police officers, Jonas Flai, Raphael Kaundu and Willem Jantz, for damages arising from an alleged assault and unlawful arrest in August last year in the Spitzkoppe area. 

According to his particular claim, police officers allegedly entered his home without a warrant following a domestic dispute, assaulted him, and detained him overnight without charge. 

He claims he was later released without being taken to court or provided with medical assistance.

||Areseb alleges that he sustained injuries during the incident and was admitted to Katutura State Hospital, where he spent several weeks undergoing medical treatment and surgical procedures.

 He claims the injuries have resulted in permanent physical impairment and ongoing medical complications, affecting his ability to work as a tour guide.

In his High Court papers, ||Areseb is claiming N$2.8 million in damages, including N$2 million for pain, suffering, permanent disability and loss of amenities of life; N$500,000 for emotional shock and trauma; N$300,000 for future medical expenses; and N$10,000 for property damage allegedly caused during the police entry. 

Should mediation fail, the matter is expected to be placed back on the High Court roll for further proceedings.

Lawyer Karel !Gaeb from Sisa Namandje is representing ||Areseb probono.