Adam Hartman
30 June 2011
“WORRISOME information” about a lawyer in Erongo who is allegedly advising his clients not to stop when directed to do so at police roadblocks will be investigated, Erongo’s Police Chief, Commissioner Festus Shilongo, said on Wednesday.
He would not divulge the name of the lawyer, or those of his clients, as this could jeopardise the investigation. According to him, the information was received from the public.
He did refer to an incident last year where a “known drug dealer” in Walvis Bay was stopped and his vehicle searched. Crack cocaine was found and the suspect was arrested. The accused is out on bail – and allegedly telling people that his lawyer gave him this advice, according to Shilongo.
“It is regrettable to notice that such advice comes from a lawyer who is an expert in the field of law. This attitude is totally unethical in regard to lawyers’ conduct,” he said.
He warned that lawyers who “incite” a person not to stop when directed to do so by the police risks to be charged with hindering or obstructing the police in the execution of their duties; being an accomplice to an offence; and defeating the cause of justice.
He said the matter will be reported to the Law Society of Namibia to be investigated, which may result in the prohibition of the lawyer from practising law in Namibia.
AllAfrica – All the Time
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Namibia: Erongo Police Troubled By Lawless Lawyer