Fired RA managers appeal dismissals allegedly linked to N$16m tender

Two senior managers fired by the Roads Authority (RA) are challenging their terminations, accusing the parastatal of improper interference and serious procedural flaws in a disciplinary process linked to alleged corruption involving a N$16 million vehicle procurement tender.

Former executive officer for transportation Sidney Boois and divisional manager for the transport inspectorate Richard Milinga were dismissed on Monday following the conclusion of an internal disciplinary hearing.

The two, represented by lawyer Uno Katjipuka, have lodged a detailed appeal, arguing that their right to a fair hearing was compromised by employer pressure, predetermined timelines and what they describe as "fundamental irregularities" in the proceedings.

In a media statement issued on Monday, RA chief executive officer Mbahupu Tjivikua confirmed that the dismissals followed the completion of the disciplinary process.

"The RA confirms that due process was followed in accordance with the organisation's disciplinary procedures and governance framework," Tjivikua said.

The authority declined to disclose the specific reasons for the disciplinary action, saying no further details would be provided "out of respect for the rights and dignity of those involved".

However, Namibian Sun understands that the case relates to allegations that a tender worth N$16 million for the purchase of 17 vehicles for the RA's road safety unit was allegedly improperly inflated.

In 2023, The Namibian reported that the vehicles were allegedly purchased at around N$1.2 million each, despite having a showroom value of approximately N$800 000 at Windhoek dealerships.

Katjipuka insists that the charge of dishonesty against her clients is unfounded, arguing that the procurement process followed approved procedures and reasonable contractual interpretation.

Predetermined deadlines

Speaking to Namibian Sun on Tuesday, Katjipuka alleged that the RA interfered directly in the disciplinary process by issuing instructions aimed at hastening the hearing and pressuring the chairperson, Ileni Velikoshi, to conclude proceedings within tight, predetermined deadlines.

Correspondence seen by Namibian Sun shows directives from the RA board's human capital committee instructing the chairperson to finalise the hearing by 31 August 2025 and deliver judgment by 10 November 2025, overriding normal procedural timelines.

Katjipuka argues that this interference compromised the chairperson's independence and resulted in a biased, pressured outcome.

She further claims that Velikoshi, constrained by these directives, dismissed key defence arguments and evidence presented by her clients.

The appeal also cites procedural failures, including employees' absence from certain proceedings due to illness, as well as administrative lapses by the human resources department that delayed the delivery of the final judgment.

Irregular proceedings

According to Katjipuka, the employer subsequently used these delays to exert further influence over the process. Internal correspondence from the chairperson indicates that although the judgment was finalised on 28 October 2025, it was not delivered due to alleged technical difficulties.

Katjipuka maintains that evidence suggests the ruling was complete and available and that the delay was irregular.

She further alleges that the chairperson committed "fundamental irregularities" by mischaracterising her clients' participation, disregarding critical evidence and reaching findings of guilt without sufficient justification.

The appeal also challenges the broader investigation process, alleging breaches of internal policies and undue influence from the RA's executive and legal structures.

Katjipuka has called for the disciplinary findings to be overturned and for her clients to be reinstated.

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