Govt official arrested for abusing state vehicle
• Expected to make first court appearance today
The ministry employee used a government Land Cruiser to haul bags of animal feed to his farm.
A government official from the environment, forestry and tourism ministry was arrested last Thursday for misusing a government vehicle to transport private animal feed without the necessary permits.
The acting commander for the Kavango East Region, Deputy Commissioner Eino Nambahu, confirmed the arrest, which took place at 21:00 on the Trans-Caprivi Highway in Rundu’s Tuhingireni informal settlement.
According to Nambahu, the suspect - who cannot be named until his court appearance - is stationed at the Khaudum National Park. He is expected to make his first appearance at the Rundu Magistrate’s Court today.
“The suspect was found using a state vehicle to transport 50-kilogram bags of animal feed from a private dwelling in Sauyemwa without official permit,” he said.
It was further alleged that the suspect was taking the feed to his farm at Karukuhwisa, but was intercepted by an undercover police officer.
A total of 39 bags of animal feed and the vehicle were seized, Nambahu said.
‘Totally unbecoming’
According to the deputy commissioner, employees of all government offices, ministries and agencies are guided by the principles of ethics and are expected to conduct themselves with integrity while executing their duties.
“Government vehicles are issued with a monthly trip authority that describes the role of the vehicle, whether administrative or operational, and indicates who the assigned driver is. All trips are controlled and authorised by a supervisor. However, some of the drivers are taking chances - especially after working hours - to carry out private business, a situation that is totally unbecoming,” he said.
Nambahu warned drivers of official vehicles to desist from such practices.
“Supervisors responsible must ensure proper control over these fleets. No official vehicle will be expected to be spotted parked at bars or being driven after hours, unless it is due to the criticalness of the duties performed. Our undercover operatives are on the ground to observe these kind of practices and whoever is observed doing that will be brought to order through the court of law,” he said.
The acting commander for the Kavango East Region, Deputy Commissioner Eino Nambahu, confirmed the arrest, which took place at 21:00 on the Trans-Caprivi Highway in Rundu’s Tuhingireni informal settlement.
According to Nambahu, the suspect - who cannot be named until his court appearance - is stationed at the Khaudum National Park. He is expected to make his first appearance at the Rundu Magistrate’s Court today.
“The suspect was found using a state vehicle to transport 50-kilogram bags of animal feed from a private dwelling in Sauyemwa without official permit,” he said.
It was further alleged that the suspect was taking the feed to his farm at Karukuhwisa, but was intercepted by an undercover police officer.
A total of 39 bags of animal feed and the vehicle were seized, Nambahu said.
‘Totally unbecoming’
According to the deputy commissioner, employees of all government offices, ministries and agencies are guided by the principles of ethics and are expected to conduct themselves with integrity while executing their duties.
“Government vehicles are issued with a monthly trip authority that describes the role of the vehicle, whether administrative or operational, and indicates who the assigned driver is. All trips are controlled and authorised by a supervisor. However, some of the drivers are taking chances - especially after working hours - to carry out private business, a situation that is totally unbecoming,” he said.
Nambahu warned drivers of official vehicles to desist from such practices.
“Supervisors responsible must ensure proper control over these fleets. No official vehicle will be expected to be spotted parked at bars or being driven after hours, unless it is due to the criticalness of the duties performed. Our undercover operatives are on the ground to observe these kind of practices and whoever is observed doing that will be brought to order through the court of law,” he said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article