Luqman Cloete
19 May 2011
The Kalkrand Village Council has placed its CEO, Neville Smith, on “special leave” with all benefits pending an investigation into allegations against him.
Smith’s suspension is effective from Monday.
In a letter to Smith, the council’s chairperson, Adriaan Beukes, said the council would appoint a disciplinary committee to probe the allegations made against him and formulate charges.
The Namibian understands that only Swapo Party representatives in the council, including Beukes, Christine Garoës and Emily Van Staden, were party to the decision to suspend Smith.
Apparently the two remaining councillors, Hermina Van Wyk and Blomma Van Staden, both representing the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), were sidelined from the meeting where the decision was taken.
Beukes yesterday refused to comment and referred all the questions to Hardap governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa.
“Ask the president [sic] of the region, we have provided her with all information,” said Beukes.
However, a well-placed source said Smith’s alleged failure to execute the council’s directives was given as reason for his suspension.
According to the source, the insubordination allegations against him stemmed his failure to honour a request by Beukes to buy a council vehicle for his exclusive use as chairman.
The Namibian also understands that Smith’s suspension followed shortly after he informed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) about fraudulent cheque activities implicating two council employees.
When approached yesterday, Hanse-Himarwa said she had consulted with the council and advised it to rescind its decision.
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