New Era Publication Corporation chief executive Christof Maletsky says he is not in a position to discuss the suspension of the state-owned newspaper company’s finance manager, Jonisiu Kambwale, and procurement officer Amon Shangano.
Kambwale and Shangano were suspended last week on allegations of using a vehicle without the company’s authorisation.
“I can’t discuss our internal processes with you,” Maletsky said.
He added that the suspension of the two employees does not mean they are guilty, but is meant to allow the company to continue with an investigation.
Another staff member, Ndamona Ingashipola, who is employed as an accountant, has also been suspended to prevent interference with the investigation involving Kambwale. Ingashipola is perceived to be close to Kambwale.
According to sources, Kambwale and Shangano allegedly took a company vehicle on a personal trip visiting bars in Windhoek and at Okahandja this month.
A New Era source said both Kambwale and Shangano have not been charged, but an investigation is ongoing.
“There was also an allegation that they housed a female security guard in a company house and got payment. There was then a story that they borrowed money from her and she caused a scene at our office to force them to pay,” the source said.
“The two instead tried to get the guard fired by threatening the security company owner to either pull the guard from the building or lose the contract,” the source added.
Ingashipola confirmed her suspension on Sunday and said she was not informed why she has been suspended.
Kambwale did not answer calls and a text message sent to him, also on Sunday.
Shangano was not reachable for comment and a text message sent to him was not responded to as well.
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