Mwapopi off our payroll – Kanime

JEMIMA BEUKES WINDHOEKEmbattled police officer Phillipus Mwapopi, who finds himself embroiled in the Fishrot saga for which he is in custody, remains employed by City Police, but his salary is suspended until a disciplinary hearing is concluded.This was confirmed by City Police chief Abraham Kanime, who yesterday said they have decided to take action against Mwapopi in light of public interest as well as the image of City Police.“I have taken a decision as the head to look into the seriousness of the allegations. He is not yet discharged, but we are still busy with the disciplinary process.“It is quite cumbersome taking into consideration that he is in another environment, but we are slowly reaching there. In the public interest and best interest of the organisation, we have taken a decision,” he said.He could, however, not share any details regarding the particular decision.Double-dippingMwapopi, who faces serious charges including money-laundering, racketeering and corruptly using his office for self-gratification, told the court this week that he doubled-dipped as a consultant while working as a police officer.While in the employment of the City Police, he made about N$15 million as a fisheries business consultant with close ties to the now implicated former Fishcor CEO, Mike Nghipunya.The State is alleging that Mwapopi's close corporation was used to channel money paid by fishing companies to get access to Namibian fishing quotas to some of his co-accused.Money before workIt came to light yesterday that Mwapopi was paid millions of dollars for consultation work, months ahead of the time. He could, however, not explain most of the consulting work he was paid for in advance, such as ‘food for crew’, which according to him, was to advise fishing vessel workers on the type of food they should eat and how it should be stored.After questioning from Judge Shafimana Uietele, Mwapopi revealed that the close corporation he established in May 2016 landed a tender to deliver dried fish to Fishcor weeks later in July.The company even paid him months in advance for these supplies.Mwapopi’s company had no staff and was run by him alone; however, with no experience in any of the work he provided, he managed to collect N$9 million on consultation fees.jemima@namibiansun.com

Mwapopi off our payroll – Kanime

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-08

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Mwapopi off our payroll – Kanime

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-08

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