…Amupanda claims the screenshot is “fake”
…Tsumeb acting CEO says allegations are politically motivated
Renthia Kaimbi
Tsumeb councillor Sem Nghuulikwa has denied soliciting N$80 000 from an unidentified tenderer, allegedly in exchange for a N$800 000 contract to build 10 houses at the town.
Nghuulikwa, who chairs the municipality’s management committee, said the allegations are baseless, calling the leaked screenshot “AI-generated” and a politically motivated smear campaign designed to destroy his reputation.
The WhatsApp conversation, first posted online by businessman Nico Kaiyamo, appears to show an exchange where a user allegedly identified as Nghuulikwa writes: “You will get 10 houses for N$800 000.00” followed by “I want N$80 000 to share with pedro.”
The name “Pedro” is understood to refer to Tsumeb municipality town engineer Pedro Manuel, who, according to the alleged chat, was meant to receive a portion of the requested amount.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Nghuulikwa dismissed the conversation as complete fiction, stating that technology has advanced to a point where malicious individuals can fabricate convincing evidence.
“I have taken the matter up with my legal team. Those who posted it must say who generated those AI-generated screenshots,” he said.
He claimed he was being victimised because of his age and his political affiliation with the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement.
“We are in politics, and when they want to break you down, they stoop low and become petty. But if you want to break me, take my brain,” Nghuulikwa said.
He further noted that councillors have no power to award tenders, adding that internal council correspondences are being leaked by colleagues who “lack the capacity to debate on the floor.”
He argued that instead of engaging in constructive debate during council meetings, some individuals choose to selectively leak information to the public.
Manuel also denied any wrongdoing. He said he was surprised to see his name mentioned in such a context.
“I’m out of town attending a workshop. I am aware of the issue about the MC apparently speaking to someone, but I will find out what transpired. The MC says the screenshots were fabricated,” Manuel said on Monday.
AR leader Job Amupanda echoed Nghuulikwa’s claims, asserting that the screenshot was fake.
Meanwhile, Tsumeb’s acting chief executive officer, Frans Enkali, questioned how Nghuulikwa could possibly be involved in the awarding of a tender that has not yet been advertised publicly.
“I strongly refute that such a tender was discussed, advertised, or awarded. And I want to make it clear that councillors are not involved in the tendering process. Tsumeb people can fabricate stories. We follow regulations of the Procurement Act,” Enkali stated.
Enkali went further, warning that the town’s political climate has become increasingly destructive and is chasing away potential investors who might otherwise contribute to the local economy.
“They are not tarnishing the image of one individual, but they are tarnishing the image of the town and chasing away investors,” Enkali said.
He explained that when such allegations circulate online without verification, international investors become hesitant to partner with the municipality, fearing corruption or instability.
Enkali further urged residents to report grievances to institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission instead of sharing unverified claims on social media.
He reminded the public that spreading false information can have legal consequences and damages community trust.
Interestingly, two versions of the alleged conversation are circulating online.
While the content remains the same, one screenshot names Nghuulikwa as the solicitor, while the other implicates Kaiyamo.
The existence of two different versions has raised further questions about the authenticity of the claims.
Kaiyamo could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
Nghuulikwa reiterated his commitment to integrity and serving the local community without political interference, adding that his legal team is preparing to compel those who shared the images to reveal the origin of the allegations.
