Political intimidation claims at Keetmans

THE Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency Councillor, Hilma Nikanor, has vehemently denied charges of political intimidation against her.

The denial followed claims by Stephanus Amunyela, a technician in the Keetmanshoop Directorate Forestry Office, that Nikanor yesterday approached him in his office and warned that “he will find himself in hot water” after quizzing him about alleged ties to the Rally For Democratic Progress (RDP). Amunyela yesterday told The Namibian that Nikanor, who was accompanied by Keetmanshoop Urban Swapo District Co-ordinator Festus Shilimela and Karas SPYL Secretary Selma Shigweda, accused him of campaigning for the RDP in the Karas Region.”This is none other than a violation of my fundamental rights and freedoms.It’s my democratic right to affiliate to any political party of my choice,” Amuyela said angrily.”Indeed, I regard my affiliation to any political party as a secret, therefore do not understand why I should be questioned and intimidated about it,” he added.He further alleged that Nikanor, who is also the Karas Swapo Party Information and Mobilisation Officer, abused her authority as regional councillor for political gain.According to Amunyela, Nikanor’s visit to his office stemmed from a tip-off that he was allegedly recruiting members for the RDP.Nikanor admitted the visit to Amunyala’s office.However, she denied that discussions in Amunyela’s office had amounted to political intimidation.”Why did he not tell you the truth what the discussions in his office was all about,” she said.”My understanding of Namibian politics is clear, therefore I will not waste my precious time on cheap politics,” Nikanor added.When approached for comment, Shigweda also acknowledged their visit to Amunyela’s office.”Yes, we were there, asking Amuyela why he is using names of Swapo leaders in the region such Nikanor and Karas Governor Dawid Boois to recruit members for RDP,” she said.Amunyela said he would seek legal advice.Amunyela yesterday told The Namibian that Nikanor, who was accompanied by Keetmanshoop Urban Swapo District Co-ordinator Festus Shilimela and Karas SPYL Secretary Selma Shigweda, accused him of campaigning for the RDP in the Karas Region.”This is none other than a violation of my fundamental rights and freedoms.It’s my democratic right to affiliate to any political party of my choice,” Amuyela said angrily.”Indeed, I regard my affiliation to any political party as a secret, therefore do not understand why I should be questioned and intimidated about it,” he added.He further alleged that Nikanor, who is also the Karas Swapo Party Information and Mobilisation Officer, abused her authority as regional councillor for political gain.According to Amunyela, Nikanor’s visit to his office stemmed from a tip-off that he was allegedly recruiting members for the RDP.Nikanor admitted the visit to Amunyala’s office.However, she denied that discussions in Amunyela’s office had amounted to political intimidation.”Why did he not tell you the truth what the discussions in his office was all about,” she said.”My understanding of Namibian politics is clear, therefore I will not waste my precious time on cheap politics,” Nikanor added.When approached for comment, Shigweda also acknowledged their visit to Amunyela’s office.”Yes, we were there, asking Amuyela why he is using names of Swapo leaders in the region such Nikanor and Karas Governor Dawid Boois to recruit members for RDP,” she said.Amunyela said he would seek legal advice.