Adv John Robert Walters
Adv John Robert Walters is the current Ombudsman in Namibia.
The institution of the Ombudsman was established by Chapter 10 of the Namibian Constitution, with the provision in Article 89 of the Constitution that the Ombudsman shall be independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law; that no person shall interfere with the Ombudsman in the exercise of his func
tions; and that all organs of the State shall accord such assistance as may be needed for the protection of the independence, dignity and effectiveness of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman Act 1990 (Act 7 of 1990) defines and describes the powers, duties and function of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman is appointed by the President on recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission by proclamation in the Government Gazette and reports annually to Parliament. The Ombudsman serves until the age of 65, which can be extended to 70 years.
The primary function of the Ombudsman is to receive and inquire into and investigate complaints submitted to the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman can investigate actions of any elected or appointed official or employee of any organ of the central or local Government and parastatals. Complaints relating to the failure to achieve balanced structuring and equal access or fair administration in the Public Service Commission, Defence Force, Prison Service and the Police force, can also be investigated. This means that the Ombudsman exercises oversight over police conduct and he must investigate any complaint relating to police conduct. The Ombudsman has the right to visit any police holding cell where trial awaiting persons are detained to receive complaints as well as to inspect the physical conditions of holding cells.
John Robert Walters is one of four representatives on the INIOP steering group representing the Africa region.
