Renthia Kaimbi
TransNamib’s chief executive officer Desmond Van Jaarsveld and executive for Engineering and Technical Services Bertus Eksteen have been placed on precautionary leave pending an independent investigation, amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating condition of the national railway network, railway fatalities and alleged irregularities in the procurement of spare parts.
The Windhoek Observer understands that the suspensions follow what sources close to the matter described as “serious accountability issues” relating to the management and maintenance of the state-owned railway operator’s infrastructure.
The concerns reportedly include the failure to maintain and inspect the railway network, the fatal Rovos luxury train derailment that claimed two lives in March 2026, repeated deaths involving people on railway tracks and alleged irregularities surrounding the purchase of spare parts.
Sources familiar with the matter said the suspended executives had been given an opportunity to respond to several allegations, including claims of negligence in addressing the deteriorating condition of the national railway network.
“While the railway network belongs to the ministry of works, the maintenance thereof is the responsibility of TransNamib. The report states that the entity lacks the ability to properly manage, conduct timely inspections and identify problems in advance,” a source stated.
The decision to suspend Eksteen, the executive responsible for Engineering and Technical Services was reportedly informed by the technical nature of many of the concerns raised against the company’s management, with the board said to have considered it necessary to hold the technical executive accountable alongside the CEO.
One source questioned why TransNamib had not issued precautionary warnings to railway operators and users ahead of the abnormal rains experienced in the southern parts of the country, particularly given the dangers posed by flooding to railway infrastructure.
“The Roads Authority sent out precautionary notices ahead of the abnormal rains down south, warning road users of the dangers of flooding on roads. Why couldn’t TransNamib do the same for the railway network before the Rovos train accident?” the source asked.
“People lost their lives.”
The source further questioned whether sufficient measures had been taken to assess the safety of railway lines and prevent accidents, particularly in areas exposed to flooding and other weather-related risks.
The Windhoek Observer also understands that the investigation will examine alleged procurement irregularities involving spare parts, with claims that some purchases were linked to individuals allegedly associated with individuals within management.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the investigation will extend to specific procurement transactions or establish whether any officials benefited from the alleged arrangements.
In a media statement issued on Thursday, TransNamib confirmed that its board of directors had resolved to place the CEO and the executive responsible for Engineering and Technical Services on precautionary leave pending the finalisation of an independent investigation.
“The decision has been made with the necessary due process followed and in concurrence with the Honourable Minister of Works and Transport,” the board said.
The board stressed that the precautionary suspensions should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt, adding that the company’s daily operations would continue without disruption.
“This is a necessary procedural step to ensure an objective and thorough process, and it does not represent any finding of guilt,” the statement reads.
TransNamib said it would not disclose further details at this stage to protect the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the investigation.
In the interim, Kristian Hamutenya has been appointed acting chief executive officer to oversee the company’s operations while the investigation and anticipated disciplinary process unfold.
The suspensions come amid increasing scrutiny of TransNamib’s ability to maintain and rehabilitate the country’s ageing railway infrastructure, which remains critical to freight transportation and the movement of goods across Namibia.
The outcome of the independent investigation is expected to establish the extent of the alleged management and technical failures, as well as whether disciplinary action is warranted.
