King Mandume Muatunga has in turn withdrawn charges of racial discrimination, assault, damage of property and reckless driving against Lizelle Cordier (22) and Connie Olivier (31).

The Namibian learned from a reliable source that the Mayor allegedly admitted to assaulting Cordier at a service station on Friday, February 11, after she confronted him about driving away from the scene of an accident in his official vehicle.

Olivier also charged him with assault after he allegedly hit and kicked her when she confronted him for beating her sister with his fists.

The Mayor reportedly offered the sisters a financial settlement if they withdrew the charges.

Deputy Commissioner Andrew Iiyambo, Regional Commander of the Police in Erongo, confirmed yesterday that all charges had been withdrawn.

"This is something they did between themselves," he said.

"The Police officer was called by them when they were sitting together."

Iiyambo said, though, that this did not mean the Police would withdraw the charges.

He said the case had already been handed over to the Senior Prosecutor, who was going to decide who to charge and with what.

"If the State decides to prosecute, we will proceed with the charges, especially as a charge of racial discrimination is involved," said the Deputy Commissioner.

The Namibian was told the Mayor was apparently given an ultimatum from above to sort out the charges, should he want to survive in politics.

After the visit of President-elect Hifikepunye Pohamba to Walvis Bay on Saturday to attend a function at Etale Fishing, the sisters were first contacted by a pastor of the Lewende Water Church to offer a settlement.

A meeting was arranged with the Mayor on Monday, when he allegedly admitted guilt.

The Police officer was called to his office and the two parties withdrew the charges against each other, and most of the financial settlement was paid.

When approached for comment yesterday by The Namibian, Muatunga said he first wanted to consult with his lawyer before saying anything.

"We can discuss this at a later stage, as I still have to study many things with my lawyer," he said.

Olivier confirmed the charges had been withdrawn, but said they would only comment in a few days.

She said her sister was still in a state of shock and they first wanted to give her a rest before talking about it.

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