Tsumeb mayor denies attending Nomtsoub meeting while drunk

Tsumeb mayor Hofni Hamunyela has strongly denied allegations that he attended a community meeting while under the influence of alcohol.

The claims led to an official investigation by the Swapo regional leadership.

Hamunyela insists the allegations are politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.

“I was not drunk. I was just tired,” the mayor told Namibian Sun, challenging his accusers to produce proof. “There is no evidence that I was drunk, be it a picture or a video. It is just people playing dirty politics.”

The mayor, who recently took office, said the allegations are part of a smear campaign aimed at undermining his leadership.

“I am new in the office and people are already starting with dirty politics. They just want to tarnish my image. I am focused on developing the town,” he said.

The controversy stems from a public meeting held last Saturday in Nomtsoub, where some residents claimed Hamunyela appeared intoxicated while addressing the gathering.

The allegations quickly gained traction on social media, with community members expressing frustration.

Public outrage

Resident Johannes John criticised what he described as a lack of respect for the electorate, saying having a “drunk councillor” at a public meeting was unacceptable and warranted accountability.

The seriousness of the claims sparked a response by Swapo’s Oshikoto regional leadership.

A delegation, led by regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu, travelled to Tsumeb to investigate the matter.

Following its enquiry, the party concluded there was no conclusive proof to support the allegations. It found that there was no scientific evidence, such as a breathalyser test or medical report, to confirm intoxication.

With the claims resting largely on eyewitness accounts and perceptions, the leadership determined that the case could not be substantiated.

The matter has since been closed, with no disciplinary action to be taken against the mayor.