Tjivikua’s Corner
Historically, in South West Africa, now Namibia, public indecency and offensive acts such as public urination and defecation stemmed from colonial-era public nu
Opinions
2026-08-032026-08-03By Correspondent
Historically, in South West Africa, now Namibia, public indecency and offensive acts such as public urination and defecation stemmed from colonial-era public nuisance ordinances. They were prosecuted under South African common law and local municipal health or police bylaws rooted in Roman-Dutch law. These measures were used to control behaviour, preserve public order and appearance, and protect public health.
Today, such offences remain prohibited and are heavily penalised under common law public nuisance principles, national health legislation, and municipal regulations aimed at maintaining public hygiene and decency.
Colonial legacy
