- CCTV cameras were allegedly switched off
- VVIP head allegedly resigns
Renthia Kaimbi
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has not slept in her private residential wing at State House since a naked mental health patient broke into the heavily guarded premises nearly three weeks ago.
Multiple sources told the Windhoek Observer that Nandi-Ndaitwah is staying at her private home in Hochland Park, where security has been increased since her return from the Cassinga Day commemorations at Okapalelona in the Omusati region two weeks ago.
“NDF trucks were visible at her Hochland Park residence already on that day, which was a public holiday but the VVIP Protection Unit has since taken over as it seems,” a source said.
The incident led to the 12-month suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo, who was replaced in an acting capacity by Anne-Marie Nainda.
Sources also told the Windhoek Observer that closed-circuit television cameras were allegedly off on the day of the incident, leaving investigators without footage showing how 29-year-old Giano Seibeb entered the president’s private residential wing.
“There is currently no footage to show his movements and police have been searching for footage from neighbours to see if they can get anything,” a source said.
The absence of CCTV footage has frustrated Seibeb’s relatives, who reported him missing on 21 April after learning he had escaped from a mental ward at Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
Family members have reportedly requested access to any available footage to determine how one person managed to bypass multiple layers of security at State House.
Reports have also emerged that Seibeb allegedly broke into the residence of the head of the VVIP Protection Unit, Michael Abraham, on the same day his family reported him missing.
Abraham is one of the top police officers tasked with protecting the president.
According to information seen by the Windhoek Observer, Seibeb was allegedly found wearing Abraham’s uniform, watching television and eating chutney before being apprehended.
The Windhoek Observer understands that Abraham has since resigned from his position following the State House incident.
Presidential press secretary Jonas Mbambo dismissed suggestions that it was unusual for the President to stay at her Hochland Park residence.
“As for the President being at her Hochland Park residence, there is nothing unusual about that, nor has it ever been presented as a secretive matter. People in the area would naturally see the presidential convoy,” Mbambo said.
He did not confirm whether Nandi-Ndaitwah had returned to the State House residential wing after her recent trip to northern Namibia.
“Security assessments and related advisories are routinely handled by the relevant security cluster in the ordinary course of their work,” he said.
Responding to questions about the missing CCTV footage, Mbambo cited ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
“The matter is currently before the courts, while investigations are ongoing, and it would therefore not be appropriate to comment on alleged information or security-related speculation at this stage,” he said.
Nainda declined to comment on questions regarding the CCTV failure, the investigation and the president’s return to the residence at State House.
“The investigation in this case is still ongoing and I can’t comment on the matter at this stage. Thank you,” Nainda told the Windhoek Observer.
Magistrate Eliud Nakulonda postponed Seibeb’s case to 22 June after ordering psychiatric observation to determine whether he understands court proceedings.
Seibeb faces charges of trespassing, indecent exposure under the Combating of Immoral Practices Act of 1980 and housebreaking with intent to commit a crime after allegedly being found naked inside the president’s private residential wing.
