Martin Endjala
The chief executive officer of August 26 Holdings, Ndajoina Shalumbu, has been suspended.
On Friday, Board chairperson Brigadier General Fillimon Shafashike confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer.
“I confirm that the CEO has been suspended in line with our governance processes,” said Shafashike.
Shalumbu was suspended with immediate effect and Fanuel Haikuti is the appointed interim CEO.
“This is a precautionary measure and does not imply any finding of misconduct or guilt. During this suspension, he remains entitled to all contractual benefits,” said Shafashike.
The alleged fabrication of a quote for N$8 million in spare car parts for the Werwolf vehicle led to Shalumbu’s suspension.
Shafashike explained that an extraordinary board meeting was held last week to address the allegations regarding Windhoeker Maschinenfabrik, a company that manufactures military vehicles for the defence ministry.
He said while the details of the discussion remain confidential, he assured that the board is committed to transparency and resolving the issue in accordance with governance protocols.
He added that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure accountability, stating that the board will take appropriate actions based on its findings.
Meanwhile, Job Amupanda took to social media last week, calling on both President Nangolo Mbumba and defence minister Frans Kapofi to take action, or else he will.
“The corrupt regime is highly mistaken to think of suspending a puppet who carried out your instructions. Is the end of the matter. I will not leave it here,” he said.
Amupanda further claims that Shalumbu is being used as the scapegoat, adding that only in the military is lying to the public about serious allegations not considered an offence.
According to him, Shalumbu arranged a fake quotation on behalf of MODVA that was produced at the media conference held by MODVA’s executive director, Wilhemina Shivute, on 20 November.
“The corrupt regime now found a fall guy so the matter can go away. It’s only in a Namibian military and defence system where lying to the public and commander-in-chief on military matters is not an offence. The corrupt regime is highly mistaken to think suspending a puppet, who carried out your instructions, is the end of the matter. I will not leave it here,” said Aupanda.
