Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
A Ministry of Works and Transport employee suspected of allegedly leaking information about the new N$10million Presidential motorcade exposed in Informanté two weeks ago was suspended.
Julius Ngweda was suspended after a witch-hunt by Government for employees who could have leaked documents about the purchase of two state-of-the-art S600L Mercedes Benz vehicles to be part of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s motorcade.
Minister of Works and Transport, Helmut Angula has confirmed that the ministry’s spokesperson, Ngweda, was suspended over the motorcade issue.
“Yes, he was suspended because the ministry had suspicion that he is the one who leaked the documents to you. The truth would be established when he is called for a disciplinary hearing and whatever outcome the disciplinary committee will decide on the appropriate action to take,” Angula said.
According to Insight Magazine, Ngweda was suspended without pay on November 30.
Insight Magazine writes that Ngweda found his office doors locked before he was served with a letter of suspension.
Director of the Legal Assistance Centre, Norman Tjombe described Government’s reason to suspend Ngweda as appalling.
“If there is a lawful reason to suspend an employee, then it would only be fair that the person is suspended with his or her normal salary and benefits and that any investigation and disciplinary inquiry be conducted without delay, which will bring the matter to some conclusion, without disrupting anyone’s life unnecessary,” Tjombe said.
Tjombe added that the suspension without salary and other benefits is certainly very harsh and possibly unlawful as it is not only against the Labour Act but also contrary to the provisions of the Public Service Act.
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