Allexer Namundjembo
A Tsumeb-based businessman has issued a final demand to the Tsumeb Municipality, seeking N$1.8 million in compensation.
He is also demanding his name be clear over what he says is the misuse of his company.
Lukas Hashondili Shailemo, owner of Star Innovation Projects, said the matter, which dates back to 2025, remains unresolved.
He said delays in the investigation have affected his business and reputation.
“I have exercised patience and fully cooperated; however, the continued delay and lack of a clear outcome is unacceptable and has caused significant damage to my name, reputation, and business interests,” he said.
Shailemo said unknown individuals used his company’s name to submit and get approval for building plans without his knowledge. He said these led to financial losses and the collapse of his business.
He said he obtained a diploma in building and construction in 2010 and later started his own company after failing to secure permanent employment.
He worked on construction and building plans before the alleged misuse of his company name.
In a final notice this week, he gave the municipality seven working days to resolve the issue.
He said failure to do so will lead to legal action and escalation to the office of the ombudsman and the office of the president.
Shailemo is demanding N$1.8 million for rebranding costs, damage to his reputation and loss of business opportunities.
Shailemo said he will no longer engage in internal municipal processes and placed responsibility on the municipality to resolve the matter.
He maintains the building plans submitted under the name of Star Innovation, adding that he did not draft or approve the documents.
Shailemo said his company’s fitness certificate had expired at the time and he was not operating.
In a letter dated 5 March, he had asked the municipality to explain who submitted the plans and to provide copies of all documents. He also asked for a written correction to clear his name.
In a follow-up letter on 26 March, he questioned the fairness of the investigation. He raised concerns about possible corruption and said he had not received any response from councillors.
He said the alleged impersonation caused him to lose clients and close his business. He also pointed to inconsistencies, including how some plans were approved without official municipal stamps and conflicting claims on who drafted them.
“We were told by the government to create our own jobs, but now Tsumeb Municipality is taking my customers. I now want the council to answer me,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Windhoek Observer reported claims of irregularities in the municipality’s engineering department.
These included allegations that some building plans were changed and approved despite not meeting requirements.
Sources said some engineers redesign plans that fail initial checks and later approve them. The report also referred to a disputed building plan linked to Star Innovation, which carried different contact details from the company.
Shailemo said he had prepared a plan for a client but denied the version held by the municipality was his.
At that time, Tsumeb acting chief executive officer Frans Enkali rejected the claims and said no formal complaint had been lodged.
He had described the claims as rumours meant to harm the council’s image and deter investors.
When contacted for comment on the final demand, Enkali did not respond to calls or questions sent by the Windhoek Observer by the time of publication.
