Swapo challenges suspension of Walvis Bay councillors

The Swapo leadership in the Erongo region will challenge the suspension of its three councillors from the Walvis Bay municipal council.

Albertina Nkoshi, Paulus Kauhondamua, and Ephraim Shozi were on Thursday suspended until 30 September at a special council meeting.

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes says the decision follows the disruption of a recent council meeting.

“The three were suspended for contravening the standing rules of order and another with an addition of breaking the code of conduct. We had a recent engagement with the line ministry and the Erongo governor’s office to restore unity in Walvis Bay.

“However, it was stated at a recent induction workshop by one councillor that it is not allowed for them to work with others. This is contradicting.

On one side we are told to work together, and on the other side, political heads of the region are telling others not to work with others. We are trying to maintain unity. It puts you in a difficult position where you are trying to unite council as chairperson of council,” he says. He says the council will operate on the rule of law rather than on emotions and opinions.

Swapo Erongo coordinator Daniel Muhura says his party is not happy and will challenge the suspension.

“The councillors received letters before Heroes Day that there will be a special council meeting. They responded that the time frame was short and asked for sufficient time to prepare, which was denied. They were suspended at the meeting.

“We condemn it. We do not take it lightly . . . If there is any misconduct from our party councillors, we have to discipline them. Where do they get that power or authority? We are going to challenge it,” he says.

He says the councillors were suspended for questioning the council’s decision to engage with RedForce Debt Management.

“The Swapo councillors questioned the issue because our community is crying. The opposition employed a lawyer to investigate the process. They realised that things are coming out and they did not like our councilors,” Muhura says.

“We still hope for this investigation to continue,” he says.