googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1681232156678-0'); }); The Namibia Law Association (NLA) is calling for a quick investigation of the attack that claimed the life of Ondangwa-based public prosecutor Justine Shiweda on Saturday.

The NLA issued a call for ?a thorough, independent and expedited investigation? of the attack on Shiweda in a statement issued by NLA chairperson Ileni Gebhardt on Sunday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Shiweda, who was attacked at her home at Ondangwa on 17 October last year, died on Saturday.

She was shot and doused with a corrosive substance when she was attacked, allegedly after she had refused to accept a bribe to agree to the release on bail of an accused person in a case she dealt with.

If the motive for the attack on Shiweda is proven, it would represent ?a grave assault not only on Ms Shiweda as an individual, but on the administration of justice and the rule of law itself?, Gebhardt said in the statement on behalf of the NLA. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

She stated: ?[T]he NLA unequivocally condemns this heinous act of violence and any attempt to intimidate, corrupt or silence legal practitioners in the execution of their constitutional and professional duties.?

Gebhardt added: ?The rule of law is the cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. It demands that prosecutors, defence legal practitioners and presiding officers alike must be able to perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice. Any attack on one actor within the justice system is an attack on the system as a whole, and ultimately on the rights and safety of all Namibians.?

The safety and security of prosecutors and all legal practitioners must be regarded as a matter of national importance, Gebhardt said as well.

?The state bears a constitutional obligation to ensure that those entrusted with upholding the law are adequately protected and supported in the performance of their duties,? she said.

All those responsible, directly or indirectly, for the attack on Shiweda should be brought to book without delay, Gebhardt stated.

?Accountability in this matter is essential to restoring public confidence in the justice system and affirming that violence and intimidation will not prevail over the rule of law,? she said.

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