Justicia Shipena
The ministry of finance has instructed Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) commissioner Sam Shivute to investigate allegations of nepotism and favouritism lodged against him.
On 6 May 2025, finance ministry executive director Michael Humavindu told Shivute in a letter that the seriousness of the complaint required a “prompt and thorough investigation”.
He requested a formal report with findings and corrective actions by 30 June 2025 and emphasised confidentiality and urgency.
The complaint was filed on 22 April 2025 by NamRA’s human resource officer, Ndamononghenda Nampweya, who was suspended in October 2023.
In a letter addressed to finance minister Erich Shafudah and copied to Humavindu, her letter accused Shivute of appointing allies and close associates to senior positions, including individuals from the police and the Bank of Namibia (BoN).
She claimed undue influence within leadership ranks was creating division at NamRA and driving resignations.
“My view is that NamRA management needs to be dissolved… Sam Shivute and others are serving only their families and friends,” Nampweya wrote.
The matter later escalated when Shivute filed a defamation lawsuit against Nampweya and activist Michael Amushelelo.
Court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show a case filed in July 2025 showing he is seeking N$2 million in damages, saying the accusations harmed his reputation and caused emotional distress.
The lawsuit cites allegations made in Nampweya’s complaint and in social media posts by Amushelelo between 11 and 22 May 2025.
Amushelelo accused Shivute of corruption, misuse of taxpayer funds, authoritarian leadership, and awarding inflated contracts under the guise of digital transformation.
He also claimed Shivute used public money to buy luxury vehicles.
Shivute’s legal team, Ntelamo-Matswetu & Associates, argued that the statements were false and defamatory.
They said the claims damaged Shivute’s dignity, reputation, and authority over more than 1 500 employees while spreading unrest within the agency.
The lawsuit demands that the defendants retract the statements, issue public apologies on the same platforms, and pay damages with interest.
