Cops allegedly used in N$40m NUST security tender

A court battle over a N$40 million security tender at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has taken a dramatic turn amid allegations that active members of the Namibian Police were presented as employees of the winning bidder.

The dispute centres on a three-year security services contract covering 2026 to 2028, awarded by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) to Novo Security Services.

Rival bidder PIS Security Services has challenged the decision in the High Court, alleging irregularities, misrepresentation and a lack of transparency in the bidding process.

Court papers show that PIS sought to block the implementation of the tender by bringing an urgent application for an interdict last year.

The company argued that the procurement process was fundamentally flawed and should be reviewed and set aside.

The CPBN has opposed the application, contending that it did not meet the legal threshold for urgency.

According to the board, PIS was aware of the review panel’s decision as early as 10 October 2025, yet only approached the court nearly two weeks later.

“This is a matter where the urgency is self-created,” the CPBN said in its opposing papers, adding that litigants cannot “jump the queue” due to their own delays.

Police officers at centre of dispute

At the heart of the legal row is a group of eight individuals whose identities reportedly raised red flags.

PIS alleges that Novo Security Services included the CVs of these individuals in its bid, presenting them as private security personnel.

However, records from the Social Security Commission (SSC) allegedly indicate that the same individuals are employed by the safety and security ministry.

The individuals are identified in court papers as Frank Mowa, Andreas Silas, Stefanus Shawapala, Iilonga Leena, Penehupifo Nashimba, Petrus Shipanga, Sinjala Simanga and Daniel Aindongo.

PIS argues that the inclusion of certificates from the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in the tender documents further suggests a link to the police.

Letter to police chief

In a move that has intensified scrutiny, PIS, through its lawyers, Appolos Shimakeleni Lawyers, wrote to police inspector general Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo on 26 February, seeking clarity on whether the eight individuals are serving police officers.

The lawyers stressed that confirmation of their employment status is critical to the integrity of both the tender process and the ongoing court proceedings.

“Our client respectfully requests your urgent assistance in this matter,” the letter reads.

A deadline of 4 March was set for a response, but the police have yet to confirm or deny whether the individuals are members of the police force.

Novo denies wrongdoing

Novo Security Services has strongly rejected the allegations.

Managing director Gideon Petrus told Namibian Sun that the company does not employ active or former police officers.

“On our recruitment, we don’t have a former police officer nor an active one. The allegations are not true,” he said.

In court papers, PIS also alleges that Novo may have approached unsuccessful bidders to assist in staffing the contract, despite having indicated during the tender process that it had sufficient internal capacity.