Renthia Kaimbi
Former Katima Mulilo Town Council administrator Marina Kandumbu has denied claims that she refused to testify in the disciplinary hearing of suspended chief executive officer Raphael Liswaniso.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, Kandumbu said the claims are false.
“I was in Katima Mulilo from Monday and only returned to Windhoek last night (Monday). I had travelled there to testify at the hearing,” she said.
She said she has no reason to avoid the process and will continue to cooperate.
“I want to make it clear that I will never turn against the honourable minister. In any case, I find it difficult to understand what he could have possibly done to warrant such a stance from me. It is unfortunate that some people choose to spread unfounded claims instead of speaking the truth,” she said.
Kandumbu said she will continue to attend the hearing and give testimony. The hearing is expected to continue in August.
Liswaniso is facing 44 charges of misconduct.
These include allegations of financial mismanagement, insubordination and irregular staff promotions. Some charges relate to the promotion of more than six employees without following proper recruitment processes.
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa also dismissed claims that Kandumbu failed to appear.
“That’s a lie because I was informed that she turned up to Katima to go and testify during the disciplinary hearing which was slated for last week. Any other development I don’t know,” Sankwasa said.
Both Kandumbu and Sankwasa said she attended the hearing, rejecting claims that her absence affected proceedings.
The matter comes as Liswaniso remains at the centre of a broader legal dispute. Sankwasa recently approved his suspension with full pay under the Local Authorities Act following a council recommendation.
This follows a Labour Court ruling last week that ordered his [Liswaniso’s] reinstatement after finding his earlier suspension was procedurally unfair.
Liswaniso has questioned the latest suspension and said he will challenge it.
The council has faced ongoing governance challenges.
Sankwasa dissolved the council last year over concerns about maladministration and the council has since experienced leadership instability.
