Court win short-lived as Katima CEO suspended again

Katima Mulilo Town Council CEO Raphael Liswaniso has once again been suspended with pay, as disciplinary proceedings against him continue, just days after a Labour Court ruling ordered his reinstatement.

In response, Liswaniso this week said the re-suspension now constitutes a "personal vendetta”.

In a letter dated 13 April addressed to mayor Kabende Kabende and seen by this publication, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa approved the suspension in terms of section 29(6)(b) of the Local Authority Act No. 23 of 1992, authorising the immediate suspension of the chief executive with pay.

The latest development follows a Labour Court ruling just last week, where arbitrator Maiba Bester ordered Liswaniso’s reinstatement after finding that his earlier precautionary suspension in October 2025 was procedurally unfair.

Bester directed that he be restored to his post with full salary and benefits.

The court did not rule on the underlying disciplinary charges, which remain subject to an ongoing internal hearing.

All ok

Speaking to Namibian Sun, Kabende confirmed the suspension, saying it forms part of an ongoing administrative process and does not contradict the court ruling.

He said the arbitration award reinstated Liswaniso but did not clear him of the allegations, adding that the disciplinary process must continue.

“No, yeah, we suspended him again. It’s still the same, there’s a disciplinary hearing that is ongoing," he said.

"I think there’s just a misconception from the public. His arbitration award was to reinstate him, but not to say the charges against him were also thrown out."

He said Liswaniso "can’t be in office as an accounting officer and face charges at the same time. It’s just an administrative process, nothing out of place."

‘Personal vendetta’

Liswaniso rejected the council’s position, arguing that the matter has moved beyond an administrative process and accusing those involved of acting in bad faith.

He told Namibian Sun the decisions leading to his suspension were unlawful and had already been challenged in court.

“It’s still the same unlawful decisions that they have made in the past that led me to go to the court," he said.

"So what I can tell you, this is no longer an administrative issue. They are talking about the investigation. The investigation is already completed. The disciplinary process started,” Liswaniso said.

He further questioned the basis of the allegations, particularly claims that he could tamper with documents.

“How do you say there is still an investigation? Where, and you are saying I might tamper with documents? Where do I tamper with documents if I have received the disclosure?” he said.

Liswaniso said the allegations appeared to be orchestrated from within.

“Because all these things that they are mentioning, you can see that there’s someone behind it, and they are bringing those things," he claimed.