Chairperson of the electricity utility, Matheus Shikongo, said on inquiry yesterday that Hannu Shipena's allegations that Hangala used company resources to woo his wife could not be "proven beyond reasonable doubt".

Hannu Shipena wrote to Shikongo in April complaining about "misconduct" after Hangala and Lucia Shipena, a General Manager for Commercial Development and Marketing, allegedly started "a sexual relationship".

Shipena accused Hangala of increasing Lucia Shipena's salary two times in less than four months by N$67 000 "in return" for the alleged romance.

Lucia Shipena reports directly to Hangala.

Hangala also took Lucia on "business-cum-pleasure trips" one of which was a Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) meeting at the coast on the company's aeroplane though she had no link to the NCCI, Shipena charged.

Numerous attempts by The Namibian to get comment on the issue from Lucia Shipena have proved fruitless.

Chairman Shikongo, who confirmed he received the complaint from Shipena, yesterday said: "The content is more private than anything else".

In the letter, that was also copied to the Central Governance Agency, the Government's watch body for parastatals, Shipena bitterly complained that Hangala wrecked his marriage and family.

"I really don't have a mandate to get into private things.

It did not affect work.

Those are matters between them," said Shikongo.

Asked about specific accusations, such as the alleged use of the company's Lear Jet, Shikongo said: "He (Shipena) could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that (NamPower) resources were used".

The letter to the directors enraged Hangala so much that he has filed a counter claim suing Shipena for defamation of character.

Hangala denies having had a love affair with Shipena.

In papers filed in court this week, Hangala said Shipena implied he "is not a law abiding citizen, a coward, untrustworthy, a cheat, a liar, and unprofessional and not worthy of being in the position he was appointed by his employer".

He is demanding N$300 000.

Shipena had already filed a lawsuit asking N$250 000 for adultery, and N$250 000 for "loss of comfort, society and services" of his wife.

The Shipena couple have since filed for divorce.

Local News Headlines Of The Last 48 Hours

•  Swapo uses Govt platform
•  Govt software contract dispute in court
•  TransNamib workers threaten strike
•  Border posts need facelift: Governor
•  Govt supports circumcision as anti-HIV tool
•  Oshikoto Regional Council moves to Omuthiya
•  Local councillors get pay rise
•  Community mourns murdered child
•  Government bans Ekipa sales
•  Elephant shot dead 'for braai' in front of tourists
•  UN report lambastes Nam for hate speech
•  A Tragedy, Not A Crime
•  Strangler jailed for cross-dressing killing
•  Omaruru council suspends its treasurer
•  Mbanderu chieftaincy dispute drags on
•  Customs officers to march over job grades
•  Karas CRO job up for grabs
•  Minibus drivers take over car washers spot in city centre
•  Pirated goods a slap in artists' face
•  Four sleeps to BBA3!
•  Zimbabweans lose a voice
•  Elephant foot, hippo meat discovered in Police vehicle
•  Toscanini mine linked to US pyramid scheme
•  Mwanawasa dies