It’s a private affair – Mulunga

National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia managing director Immanuel Mulunga said accusations of infidelity against him are a private matter between his wife and himself, which is now before court and in the hands of their respective lawyers.

Mulunga’s lawyer Richard Metcalfe, yesterday, issued a media statement taking on “those who seek to depose him from his position as managing director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor).”

Metcalfe’s statement seems to be aimed at the Namcor board of directors as well as mines and energy minister Obeth Kandjoze, who , according to media reports, is behind a move to fire Mulunga as Namcor managing director.

Metcalfe said Mulunga has invoked his constitutional right to privacy. Metcalfe also told Mulunga’s detractors that his client is entitled to his constitutional right to a fair and public hearing by an independent, impartial and competent tribunal established by law.

“It, with the utmost respect, appears as if Mr Mulunga’s detractors, who are not above the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, have chosen to simply flout such supreme law and broach Mr Mulunga’s Constitutional Rights,”read Metcalfe’s statement.

Metcalfe then defended Mulunga’s association with self-styled prophet Shepherd Bushiri, saying Mulunga’s detractors have again simply forgotten that Article 19 of the constitution provides that every person shall be entitled to enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion subject to the terms of the Constitution and further subject to the condition that the rights protected by Article 19 do not impinge upon the rights of others or the national interest.

“At no stage whatsoever can it be averred by even the most puerile mind that Mr Mulunga’s attendance and support of Mr Shepherd Bushiri’s religious service impinge upon the rights of other or the national interest,” added Metcalfe.

He further said that any token of appreciation given to Bushiri by Mulunga was openly and legally done by Mulunga. “All dishonest allegations to the contrary are simply muckraking and contrived,” read the statement.

“Mr Mulunga will not – unless forced – stoop to the level of revealing the infidelities or imperfections of his detractors but reserves all of his rights in such respect. He also reserves all of his rights to approach the High Court of Namibia for enforcement and protection of his Constitutional rights which are being seriously impinged upon by his detractors,” read Metcalfe’s statement.

Metcalfe concluded that Mulunga and his family are suffering as a result of unwarranted and unconstitutional attacks and threats to his employment.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.