Omuthiya residents will no longer have to travel to the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court to access court services, as the Office of the Judiciary has announced that the official commencement of court operations at the Omuthiya Periodical Court is scheduled for Monday, 08 June, bringing services closer to the residents.

This was confirmed today by Vikitoria Hango, spokesperson for the Office of the Judiciary.

The court operations will provide essential judicial services to the community, improve access to justice, and bring services closer to Omuthiya and the surrounding areas.

"To address this concern, the Office of the Judiciary acquired and refurbished a property in Omuthiya to function as a temporary courthouse, ensuring the continuity of judicial services until the completion of a larger, purpose-built, and more inclusive courthouse," Hango told NBC News.

The Omuthiya Periodical Court will offer the full range of judicial and administrative services ordinarily available at Magistrates' Courts throughout the country.

"This includes, but is not limited to, conducting criminal proceedings; the solemnization of marriages; handling of maintenance disputes; payment of court fines; disbursement of witness fees; and receiving and refunding of bail payments," she said.

On Friday, media representatives will participate in a guided walkthrough of the court building with the purpose of familiarising media practitioners with the court's features and operational procedures. 

The Office has commended stakeholders who collaborated to ensure the successful operationalisation of the Omuthiya Periodical Court.