Karasburg run ‘like a cuca shop’

Staff members of the Karasburg town council have made scathing allegations against the Landless People’s Movement-led (LPM) council. They claimed that mayor Maria Veldskoen and Hansina Isaacks, whom she allegedly &#039;smuggled in&#039;, are the only signatories on the bank accounts, adding that the council is run “like a cuca shop”. In a letter to urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni, the staff said the duo - out on bail of N$1 000 each after recently being arrested for allegedly using their office for personal gratification and conspiring to commit offences - have set up a parallel staff structure, sidelining the existing staff. “On 13 June 2023, you have written a letter to mayor Veldskoen, cautioning her and the council to stop with the illegal appointment of an acting CEO, Hansina Isaacks, as well as the illegal appointment of a personal assistant to the mayor’s office. It is with great concern that we inform you that not only did the council not stop with the illegal appointments as instructed, but they have continued with their illegal activities,” the workers wrote in a letter to Uutoni, dated 6 October. They added that the removal of critical staff members as signatories from the council’s bank accounts has had a negative impact on operations, as they are unable to pay for any operational expenses or to reconcile council accounts. The staff members also accused Veldskoen and Isaacks of having recruited several staff members, which – according to them - is “completely in contrast with the current organogram and in violation of the recruitment policies”. “These interviews were conducted by a local school principal and councillor and the human resources staff,” they claimed.In and outNico Titus, who had been appointed as CEO before Isaacks&#039; alleged insertion, confirmed the state of affairs, saying it has been going on for the last six months.Since they have no evidence that he is not the CEO, he loiters around the office, he said.“They have just decided to replace me with the person that they brought in as part of their political motives. I have received my salary, but they have also stopped my salary without any explanation. I am just in and out – mostly in the corridors because my office is now occupied,” he said.“Payments are done single-handedly by Isaacks, she approves it,” he added. Process underwayUutoni said he is aware of the concerns, but could not comment as a number of interventions are underway - including an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). "A process has been started and it is being dealt with in many different ways. The ACC is involved. It is very difficult to respond to your question now,” Uutoni said to enquiries on the staff members&#039; allegations.“The aim of meeting with them [Karasburg town council staff] was to clarify some of the issues right there and then. I went there with the human resources person. I think it was on 29 June, if I am not mistaken.”Veldskoen declined to comment, saying the matter is currently in court. jemima@namibiansun.com

Karasburg run ‘like a cuca shop’

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-19

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Karasburg run ‘like a cuca shop’

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-19

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