The Supreme Court of Namibia has dismissed an appeal by the Minister of Justice against a High Court order to fire a magistrate.

Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana appealed the decision handed down by the Windhoek High Court on the 15th July 2010 to dismiss Magistrate Leah Shaanika.

She appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that she had the right to understand the guilt of the magistrate and to reconsider the charges before dismissing her.

Today's ruling by Justice Pius Langa says the Minister is obliged to dismiss the magistrate on the recommendation of the Magistrates' Commission.

Magistrate Shaanika was convicted of six counts of misconduct on the 26th of October 2007.

They included two counts of insults, refusal to handle a case, misuse of her position and selling of food at court.

The High Court subsequently directed the Minister of Justice on the 15th of July 2010 to dismiss Shaanika.

The Supreme Court of Namibia has dismissed an appeal by the Minister of Justice against a High Court order to fire a magistrate.

Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana appealed the decision handed down by the Windhoek High Court on the 15th July 2010 to dismiss Magistrate Leah Shaanika.

She appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that she had the right to understand the guilt of the magistrate and to reconsider the charges before dismissing her.

Today's ruling by Justice Pius Langa says the Minister is obliged to dismiss the magistrate on the recommendation of the Magistrates' Commission.

Magistrate Shaanika was convicted of six counts of misconduct on the 26th of October 2007.

They included two counts of insults, refusal to handle a case, misuse of her position and selling of food at court.

The High Court subsequently directed the Minister of Justice on the 15th of July 2010 to dismiss Shaanika.