A heated courtroom battle is unfolding as cannabis activist Brian Jaftha takes on Namibian correctional authorities for chopping off his dreadlocks without his consent. He’s demanding N$1.2 million in damages, arguing that the act was not only unnecessary but also a violation of his religious rights.
Jaftha, who has been a devoted Rastafarian for over two decades, says his dreadlocks are more than just hair—they are a spiritual commitment. He follows Nazarene vows, which require adherents to grow their hair as a sacred symbol of faith. Despite making this clear, prison officials still went ahead and cut them, leaving him feeling disrespected and discriminated against.
In his lawsuit, Jaftha claims that the prison system is failing to respect the rights of religious minorities. He describes the Rastafarian community as vulnerable and often marginalised, and he believes the forced haircut was an outright act of discrimination.
The Namibian Constitution protects religious freedom, and Jaftha argues that his rights were blatantly ignored. “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and manifest such practice,” the Constitution states, yet his ability to express his beliefs was literally stripped away.
Beyond religious freedom, Jaftha is also suing for personal autonomy, bodily integrity, and emotional suffering. He insists that prison authorities had no right to interfere with his appearance in such a way and is now seeking justice through the courts.
With the High Court set to continue hearing the case, all eyes are on the outcome. Will Jaftha’s fight for religious expression set a new legal precedent, or will the system brush it aside? Only time will tell.