Defence blames August 26 workers for media leaks
Defence blames August 26 workers for media leaks

Defence blames August 26 workers for media leaks

The defence minister is accused of approving a N$200 million transfer from the ministry to August 26 in 2017 without treasury approval.
Kenya Kambowe
Kenya Kambowe







RUNDU

The defence ministry says allegations of corruption against defence minister Peter Vilho are being orchestrated by former August 26 staff and board members who are disgruntled because their contracts were not renewed.

Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu said one of Vilho’s primary tasks at the ministry is to reform the troubled August 26 to become financial stable.

“The ministry has at no point made any such illegal and unauthorised transfer to August 26 Holdings. In the course of normal business, the ministry pays for goods supplied and services rendered to the ministry by August 26 companies, e.g. for NDF catering and other such services,” a statement read.

He said it appears Vilho “might have and may still be stepping on some people’s toes, therefore they are fighting back through allegations that the minister is corrupt”.

‘Disinformation campaign’

“Please take note that the contracts of some individuals who were employed by August 26 group either in the boards of directors or in management positions were not renewed to make way for the reform process to take shape, but some did not take it kindly. And it is suspected that some of these individuals are part of the current disinformation campaign against the ministry and its officials,” the spokesperson further said.

Vilho has been entangled in public fights with the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, which accused the minister of being corrupt.

The defence minister is accused of approving a N$200 million transfer from the ministry to August 26 in 2017 without treasury approval.

AR said the ministry bought naval ships and military uniforms from Brazilian companies at inflated prices and without following tender procedures during Vilho's term as executive director.

The defence ministry’s statement has rubbished those allegations.

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Namibian Sun 2024-03-28

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