Stefanus Nashama
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently investigating allegations against a mechanic employed at Rundu Intermediate Hospital who is accused of using a government vehicle to purchase spare parts that were subsequently used to service and repair his private car.
Walter Kamaya, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, confirmed these allegations yesterday.
Kamaya stated that the Ministry became aware of this issue through an anonymous letter and has since established a team to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The Ministry has assembled a team to investigate the case,” he said, adding that the Ministry will provide a formal statement once the investigations are concluded. Kamaya urged caution and emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to run its course before drawing any conclusions.
These allegations gained public attention after activist Michael Amushelelo shared them on social media platforms, accusing the Ministry of Health of neglecting the matter.
Amushelelo claimed that a mechanic at the Rundu Intermediate Hospital, whose Toyota Corolla bears the registration number N27666 RU, has been using the government number plate GRN27666 of a Toyota Corolla whenever he needs to service or replace spare parts for his car.
“Whenever his car requires servicing or parts replacement, he orders them using the Ministry’s number plate, and the parts are then diverted for use in his personal vehicle,” Amushelelo stated.
Amushelelo, who is both an activist and politician, further claimed that the hospital’s management is aware of the situation but has chosen not to address it.
He characterized this as a clear case of misappropriation of state resources and called for an immediate investigation.
When contacted, Amushelelo stated that he possesses a source for these allegations but is unable to disclose the source’s identity.
“I do have a source; unfortunately, I cannot reveal that information to you,” he said.
To uncover the identity of the perpetrator, Amushelelo suggested reaching out to the National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS) to obtain the vehicle’s registration details.
In response, Julius Ngweda, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, explained that he would need to consult with colleagues in Rundu to provide further comments on the matter.
He noted that government vehicle number plates differ from those of privately owned vehicles, suggesting that this distinction might be useful in investigating the allegations.
The investigation into these allegations underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of government resources, as well as the need for a swift resolution to maintain public trust in state institutions.