TransNamib exec sues over ‘unlawful’ N$550 000 probe

TransNamib executive for properties Alynsia Platt is challenging the legality of a N$550 000 forensic investigation that led to disciplinary action against her.Platt and TransNamib's executive for human capital, Webster Gonzo, were suspended in February following an investigation into alleged irregularities at the railway company.However, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi ordered their reinstatement in May, expressing concern over prolonged labour disputes and the continued payment of executives who were not performing their duties.In an application before the High Court, Platt wants the appointment of Specialised Investigation Consultancy Services (SICS) set aside and its report declared unlawful and of no force or effect.She alleges that SICS investigated her conduct, interviewed witnesses and submitted its findings before TransNamib formally awarded the consultancy a contract under the Public Procurement Act.According to court documents, SICS signed its statement of work on 21 July 2025, submitted an interim report on 11 September and completed its final report on 1 December 2025.However, the procurement award notice, valued at N$550 000, was dated 30 April 2026 and acknowledged by SICS on 5 May 2026.“The appointment of SICS before it carried out its work and thereafter, to make an award to it after it had performed its work, is completely irregular and fraught with illegality,” Platt argues in her legal filings.She argues that a subsequent procurement award could not legalise investigative work allegedly undertaken without a valid appointment.TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld opposes the application, maintaining that the April notice was a later publication rather than the original award.He argues that the legality of the procurement process and the admissibility of evidence in disciplinary proceedings are separate questions.“An irregularity in appointing an investigator does not, without more, establish that the information obtained is false, that the investigator’s conclusions are biased, or that the evidence is inadmissible,” Van Jaarsveld said in his affidavit.He maintains that even if procurement irregularities are established, the court should consider an appropriate remedy rather than automatically invalidating the investigation and its findings.Two property transactionsThe investigation centred on transactions involving Erf 353 in Lüderitz and Erf 439 in Windhoek, including allegations of irregular property disposals, inadequate approvals and potential conflicts of interest.At Lüderitz, investigators examined a five-year lease concluded with businessman Elias Shikongo in January 2024, which included renewal and purchase provisions. A subsequent memorandum of agreement, dated 31 October 2024, concerned the proposed purchase of part of the property for N$500 000.Investigators examined whether the arrangements complied with TransNamib's property-disposal procedures and applicable legal requirements.In Windhoek, investigators examined a lease involving Lexna Incorporated and a purchase-and-sale agreement concluded in December 2024.“This property was not disposed of by public auction, despite having appeared on the auction list,” the report reads.Investigators raised concerns about the approvals, documentation and business relationships associated with the transaction.Disciplinary chargesTransNamib served Platt with eight disciplinary charges on 3 March, including allegations of gross negligence, failure to follow company procedures, undisclosed business interests and breaches of her employment contract.The charges also concern property transactions allegedly concluded without the necessary approvals and the appointment of conveyancing attorneys outside prescribed procurement procedures.Platt disputes the investigation's legality and argues that she cannot defend herself fairly without access to documents supporting the allegations.The forensic report itself acknowledges limitations in its scope and identifies further interviews and evidence needed to complete aspects of the investigation.Platt says her former lawyers requested additional particulars and documents on 18 May 2026. After TransNamib declined to provide certain records, she launched an application to compel disclosure on 16 July and a separate challenge to the report's admissibility on 24 July.Her disciplinary hearing initially convened on 6 March, and on 6 August chairperson Raywood Rukoro ruled that proceedings should continue despite Platt's preliminary objections.The latest dispute follows an earlier investigation by Ernst &amp; Young (EY), which identified weaknesses in TransNamib's management of its property portfolio, estimated at N$2.5 billion.The EY forensic report found inadequate oversight of property valuations, lease agreements, revenue collection and contract administration, while also raising concerns about allegedly manipulated leases.“We could not place any reliance on the property, asset register, property valuations or the contract administration,” the auditors found.

TransNamib exec sues over ‘unlawful’ N$550 000 probe

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-20

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TransNamib exec sues over ‘unlawful’ N$550 000 probe

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-20

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