A Rastafarian man in Namibia is seeking N$1.3 million (approximately US$78,000) in damages after prison authorities allegedly forced him to cut off the dreadlocks he had grown for more than 20 years.
Brian Jaftha, president of Namibia’s Rastafari United Front (RUF), claims the decision violated his constitutional right to religious freedom and stripped him of an important part of his spiritual identity.
According to reports from The Namibian, Jaftha filed the lawsuit against several government officials, including the minister responsible for home affairs, immigration, safety and security, the commissioner general of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), the officer in charge of Windhoek Correctional Facility and three prison officers.
Jaftha was incarcerated in 2023 following a conviction for a ganja-related offence. During his imprisonment, officers reportedly shaved his head and subjected him to repeated haircuts despite his objections.
Testifying before the Windhoek High Court on Monday, Jaftha said prison officers disregarded his religious beliefs when he protested the removal of his locs.
He described the experience as “cutting his faith”, arguing that his dreadlocks represented more than a hairstyle and were deeply connected to his Rastafarian beliefs.
The Rastafari advocate is also challenging a directive issued by the NCS commissioner general requiring male prisoners to shave their beards and maintain hair shorter than one centimetre.
Government attorneys, however, are defending the policy, maintaining that the grooming requirements are necessary for security and hygiene within correctional facilities.
Jaftha is seeking N$1.2 million in damages from the government and prison authorities, along with an additional N$84,000, which he says represents the money spent maintaining his dreadlocks over two decades.
He further claims the forced haircut damaged his standing within the Rastafarian community and affected his sense of identity.
Since his release from prison in June 2025, Jaftha has reportedly begun growing his locs again.
The legal challenge raises questions about religious freedom and the extent to which prison regulations can restrict inmates’ religious practices.
Focus keyphrase: Rastafarian sues Namibian government
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