Ya Nangoloh sues former employees

WINDHOEKFAITH SANKWASA

Namibia Human Rights (NamRights) Director Phil Ya Nangoloh is suing six NamRights board members for a total of N$350 000 for allegedly defaming his name and reputation.
On July 24, Nangoloh approached the Windhoek High Court to take action against Festus Shaduva, David Shayelamo, Johanna Elago, Denys Nandjigwa, Festus Nuunyango and Tangeni Nuukuawo for alleged defamation.
Namibian Sun newspaper and its editor, Toivo Ndjebela, are listed as the seventh and eighth respondents, but Ya Nangoloh is not suing them for damages.
Namibian Sun reported on claims of corruption and abuse of power made against Ya Nangoloh by NamRights' so-called revolutionary committee, which called for his axing.
In February, Shaduva wrote a letter to Nuukuawo demanding that a special board meeting be held to probe Ya Nangoloh's activities at the organisation.
Apart from the alleged abuse of power, the committee also wanted the board to investigate Ya Nangoloh's alleged attempts to sell NamRights' Kavango, Oshakati, Rundu and Eenhana regional offices.
The article reported that the board would investigate whether any NamRights property was used as collateral by Ya Nangoloh.
It was further reported that NamRights employees were outraged about the Katima Mulilo premises and vehicles being sold earlier, and instead of the money being used to pay staff salaries, N$213 000 allegedly went to several companies and other individuals.
Payments were allegedly made to DTA politician Phillemon Moongo (N$35 000), Koep and Partners law firm (N$27 474), Eenhana Town Council (N$15 284), and Hengari Kanguueehi Kavendjii (N$35 480).
Ya Nangoloh denied these claims.
Ya Nangoloh claims in court documents that people who read the report would come to the conclusion that he was guilty of the alleged transgressions.
He further submitted that the statements were made with a clear and convincing intention to harm his person, privacy and career.