Allexer Namundjembo
The Kavango West governor’s office has refuted claims of money theft during a break-in at the governor’s home.
The response follows a report by the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) on Tuesday that a 22-year-old man, Andreas Muyongo, was denied bail in Rundu after allegedly breaking into the home of governor Verna Sinimbo and stealing perfumes and funds meant for a borehole project.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s office said no funds were stolen.
“It is correct that a criminal break-in occurred at the governor’s parents’ homestead, where the governor also resides when in the village. Any suggestion that the incident involved state projects funds or any private funds belonging to the governor is misleading and inaccurate,” the statement reads.
The office said no cash was taken during the break-in. It said items reported to the police included perfumes, bedding and bed linen, lotions, and other personal effects.
“At no point did the governor lose any money, whether personal or official. Separately, the governor’s parents reported a loss of a small amount of cash, less than N$200, from their cuca shop, together with minor items such as cooking oil, tinned food items, recharge vouchers, and other small household or shop goods,” the statement reads.
The office also rejected claims linked to the borehole project.
“The allegations that borehole or water project funds were kept at a private residence and stolen are entirely false, baseless, and reckless,” the statement reads.
It said it is not possible for governors or government officials to keep project funds in cash at home.
“The planning and implementation of water or borehole projects falls under the mandate of the directorate of Rural Water Supply within the ministry responsible for the water sector. Such funds are not disbursed in cash and are never entrusted to governors for personal safekeeping,” the office said.
When approached for a comment on the matter, Kavango West police spokesperson chief inspector Raimbert Muronga could not comment, as he is on leave.
Kavango West regional police commander, commissioner Neo Sakuwa, however, confirmed that no borehole money was reported stolen.
“The only money reported is from a tuck shop, probably N$200,” Sakuwa said.
