Catherine Sasman
29 October 2008
Windhoek — Titus Haimbili, TransNamib Chief Executive Officer who has been on "special leave" for about two months, said he is still to be told what he stands accused of three days before the outcome of the investigation into alleged wrongdoings are to be made known.
"I have not been presented with any allegations to date despite several requests through my lawyers to the board of TransNamib," said Haimbili from the TransNamib house he currently occupies until the end of February next year.
Haimbili was put on "special leave" after the first board meeting of the newly constituted board under the leadership of Festus Lameck on August 14 after he was accused of a number of yet-to-be-divulged allegations.
An independent investigating team was constituted to look into the allegations, after which Haimbili is to hear his fate - and the allegations lodged against him.
"This is not only amazing, but it appears to be an inimitable occurrence in the labour history of this country," he said.
"Without trying to interfere with the ongoing 'closed door' investigation or to preempt its outcome, I wish to stress that if allegations happen to be levelled against me, I will leave no stone unturned to prove my innocence, and thereby not betray the trust of the multiples of Namibians who share my visionary outlook, national passion and patriotism," he added.
Haimbili's removal from office over the two months led to a nationwide strike by TransNamib workers, costing the country millions of dollars. The strike was called off after a week, and Haimbili lodged an application with the District Labour Court to be reinstated. The application was not successful.
Haimbili said he had not been idle during his special leave.
"I have focussed on my doctoral studies [in Business Administration with the University of Edinburgh] to sit for exams next year. As you can see, I am busy working on my computer, contrary to some sources within TransNamib that I am computer illiterate. I am also busy renovating my house in order to speed up the process of vacating the TransNamib 'mansion' as reported in the media," Haimbili said.
New Era could not get comment from Lameck to find out if Haimbili will hear the allegations against him before hearing the outcome of the investigation. His mobile phone went unanswered.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 New Era. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
