I am not going anywhere – Swartz
The now controversial human resources manager of the Rehoboth Town Council, Willie 'Mistake' Swartz, has challenged the minister of urban and rural development Sophia Shaningwa to fire him.
On Friday, disgruntled residents stormed the council offices to physically remove Swartz who was supposed to chair an ordinary council meeting in the absence of Rehoboth CEO Christophe
/Uirab.
A forensic investigation into the town's affairs during 13 to 15 January 2016 concluded that Swartz's reappointment during recess in December 2015 was illegal.
The group, led by hothead community activist Abes Khaibeb, grabbed Swartz by his jacket and dragged him towards the gate, before the police chief Max Joodt intervened and threatened to lock them up if they refuse to let Swartz go.
“If you are looking for sh*t then you will get sh*t,” said Joodt, who demanded for proof that Swartz is an illegal employee.
Swartz, whose wife dragged and begged him to leave the premises, left but returned minutes later.
Angry residents then began chasing him down a corridor where a physical confrontation erupted between them and council staff members who tried to shield Swartz.
At this point, Swartz decided to give his version of his reappointment in 2015.
He also threatened to take to court Namibian Sun and the minister for “spreading lies” about his illegal reinstatement.
“I am not working under Shaningwa, I am not appointed by Shaningwa, [and] I do not sit with a contract from Shaningwa. If she wants to get me out of here then she must dissolve this council and bring in people that will fire me,” he said.
Swartz also claimed to be victimised by Rehoboth residents over “things” Shaningwa has said and insisted that the minister will be responsible for what may happen to his family.
He also promised to make a full statement on his reappointment and on his alleged embezzlement of N$13million.
“If my appointment is illegal, what about /Uirab who was also appointed at the same meeting. Why is his appointment not illegal?” asked Swartz.
JEMIMA BEUKES
On Friday, disgruntled residents stormed the council offices to physically remove Swartz who was supposed to chair an ordinary council meeting in the absence of Rehoboth CEO Christophe
/Uirab.
A forensic investigation into the town's affairs during 13 to 15 January 2016 concluded that Swartz's reappointment during recess in December 2015 was illegal.
The group, led by hothead community activist Abes Khaibeb, grabbed Swartz by his jacket and dragged him towards the gate, before the police chief Max Joodt intervened and threatened to lock them up if they refuse to let Swartz go.
“If you are looking for sh*t then you will get sh*t,” said Joodt, who demanded for proof that Swartz is an illegal employee.
Swartz, whose wife dragged and begged him to leave the premises, left but returned minutes later.
Angry residents then began chasing him down a corridor where a physical confrontation erupted between them and council staff members who tried to shield Swartz.
At this point, Swartz decided to give his version of his reappointment in 2015.
He also threatened to take to court Namibian Sun and the minister for “spreading lies” about his illegal reinstatement.
“I am not working under Shaningwa, I am not appointed by Shaningwa, [and] I do not sit with a contract from Shaningwa. If she wants to get me out of here then she must dissolve this council and bring in people that will fire me,” he said.
Swartz also claimed to be victimised by Rehoboth residents over “things” Shaningwa has said and insisted that the minister will be responsible for what may happen to his family.
He also promised to make a full statement on his reappointment and on his alleged embezzlement of N$13million.
“If my appointment is illegal, what about /Uirab who was also appointed at the same meeting. Why is his appointment not illegal?” asked Swartz.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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