High Court has dismissed Professor Job Amupanda’s legal challenge against Red Line

The Windhoek High Court has dismissed Professor Job Amupanda’s legal challenge against the northern Red Line, ruling that his case lacked sufficient merit. Judge Shafimana Ueitele, who delivered the verdict on Thursday afternoon, granted absolution from the instance, meaning the case was dismissed without requiring the government to defend itself. The court found that Amupanda had failed to provide enough evidence to support his claim that the Red Line is unconstitutional.

The case stemmed from a 2021 incident at the Oshivelo checkpoint, where officials searched Amupanda’s vehicle for red meat. The meat was confiscated and later destroyed. The court ruled that this action was lawful and did not violate Amupanda’s dignity.

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Before the ruling, Amupanda had attempted to have Judge Ueitele removed from handling the case, but his efforts were unsuccessful. His concerns have been reignited by recent reports revealing that Ueitele, who presided over the case, is among 11 individuals exempted from paying taxes on their farms. Documents indicate that he owns Farm 938 (Portion 1 of Wolseley), covering 1,732 hectares, and Farm 933, spanning 4,867 hectares in the Omaheke region—both located outside the Veterinary Cordon Fence in Namibia’s commercial farmland.

Due to his judicial role, Ueitele explained that he cannot provide testimony or submit an affidavit to refute the claims.
“It is impossible for me to answer directly to the allegations made against me. This is so because I cannot depose to an affidavit or I cannot take the stand to testify in order to deny the allegations or deal with what actually transpired around the land tax exemption,” said Ueitele.

However, this development comes after the National Assembly agreed to remove the 1896 Red Line, requiring the Ministry of Agriculture to take action within three months. The motion was presented and supported in Parliament by Deputy Prime Minister Natangwe Ithete, signaling a major policy shift on the issue.

Following the court’s decision, Amupanda took to social media to express his dissatisfaction, vowing to continue the legal battle.

“People of Namibia
This is to inform you that the Corrupt Regime and the Settlers will have their five minutes celebration of this miscarriage of justice. It’s simple, there was NO TRIAL. We are headed to the Supreme Court where our case will not be heard by One Judge with Two Farms and Tax Exemptions! The 1896 Redline will Fall!”