TIRI MASAWI
The City of Windhoek has launched an internal investigation into allegations that subsistence and travel (S&T) allowances are being misused through repeated selection of the same officials for refresher training and short courses within the City Police.
The probe comes after City Police officers lodged a formal complaint last month, alleging that training opportunities are being concentrated among a small group of staff, raising concerns that the system is being used to benefit certain individuals financially.
In a letter addressed to City of Windhoek CEO Moses Matyayi, the employees claim that refresher training sessions are repeatedly allocated to the same officers, particularly administrative assistants and those close to senior management.
“The same people are sent again and again… as they look for short courses knowing that the Chief will approve,” the complaint states.
It further alleges that some officers view training mainly as an opportunity to access S&T benefits rather than skills development, adding that “some members even say openly that they attend training mainly for S&T.”
The officers said that the practice undermines fairness in skills development, stating that many staff members have been excluded from training opportunities for years. “Some of us last attended training a long time ago, around 2005 and 2006,” the letter reads.
City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye confirmed on Monday that the institution is investigating what he described as “serious allegations” relating to recruitment practices, training allocation, and possible abuse of S&T allowances.
“The City of Windhoek takes any allegations relating to recruitment, promotion practices, and workplace conduct seriously, as these matters touch on the integrity of the institution and staff morale,” Akwenye said.
He said CEO Matyayi has requested an internal review to establish the facts and determine whether any policies or codes of conduct were breached.
“At this stage, the matter remains an internal administrative process and is therefore confidential in nature,” Akwenye said, adding that it would be “premature to comment further until the process has been concluded.”
The complaint, also addressed to City Police Chief Leevi Iikela and the Chairperson of the Management Committee Austin Kweenani, further raises concerns about broader maladministration, including claims of preferential promotion patterns and concentration of opportunities within a perceived group of officials.
Iikela did not respond to the questions sent to him yesterday.
While the S&T-linked training allegations form the core of the complaint, the officers also raise concerns about what they describe as unfair treatment in recruitment and advancement within the City Police.
A list attached to the complaint, seen by Namibia Business Review, outlines several divisions where senior and supervisory roles are reportedly held by a recurring group of officers, with complainants alleging patterns of preferential appointment.
The City says it will only consider further steps, including the possibility of an independent investigation, once internal processes are completed and recommendations are made.
“With regard to the progress of the process, the matter is receiving the necessary attention through the appropriate channels,” Akwenye said.
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