Pensioner-punching councillor endorsed for re-election

KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



Swapo's Rundu Rural constituency councillor Michael Shikongo, who is scheduled to appear in court later this month on a charge of assault, was on Monday endorsed to stand as the ruling party's candidate for the constituency during the upcoming regional authority elections.

In June, he allegedly punched a pensioner until she coughed blood.

Shikongo, who continues to serves as a Swapo member of parliament in the National Council and has been the Rundu Rural councillor since 2004, was endorsed as the ruling party's preferred candidate after Virginia Kaimbi withdrew from the contest during a district conference held on Monday.



However, shortly after his endorsement, allegations of irregularities made the rounds, which is said to have forced Kaimbi to throw in the towel.



'No irregularities'

Namibian Sun has been reliably informed that discontent arose after some conference delegates were denied access.

When contacted for comment, Swapo Kavango East regional coordinator Otillie Shinduvi denied the allegations.

“There were no irregularities. I was there myself.

“The lady withdrew.

“We told them what is to happen and they did not want to accept it,” Shinduvi said.



Court case

Shikongo is expected to appear in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on 18 October for plea and trial.

He stands accused of assaulting his cousin, Kristine Tjarura Likakatere (63), whom he allegedly slapped and punched in the face until she coughed up blood. This was after a quarrel over a piece of land.

The incident took place on 27 June at Tyeye village.

Shikongo was subsequently arrested and released on bail of

N$3 000.



Councillors voted out

Meanwhile, three incumbent Swapo constituency councillors in the Kavango East Region have been voted from the running of the upcoming elections, slated for next month.

The booted councillors are Petrus Kavhura of the Ndonga Linena constituency, Eugene Likuwa of the Ndiyona constituency and John Thighuru of the Mukwe constituency.

Kavhura, who also served as a member of the National Council, lost to Michael Kampota, while Likuwa lost to Laurentius Mukoya and Thighuru, who serves as the chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, withdrew.