Windhoek
Khorixas Mayor Trypohasa Moloto is one of the best and most trustworthy leaders in the United Democratic Front (UDF) ranks, according to the party’s president, Apius Auchab.
Auchab said yesterday that the UDF leadership would meet soon to decide Moloto’s fate after she was released from custody on Wednesday on bail of N$2000. Mayor Moloto was arrested on Tuesday after it emerged that she had faked her qualifications to land a job at the Ministry of Education. She pleaded guilty to charges of forgery and uttering on Wednesday.
Sources privy to the case informed New Era after Wednesday’s court appearance that the 32-year-old Moloto had forged her sister’s Grade 12 certificate and inserted her own details instead. Moloto is said to be in possession of only a Grade 10 certificate.
“I can assure you that the mayor is one of the best leaders in the party and she is very trustworthy. The party is waiting for the finalisation of the case before taking a stand,” Auchab said. “We need time to peruse what happened and find an amicable solution. As the president, I will sleep over this and dig deep to find out what really happened.
It is difficult for one to believe such things, especially when it involves someone you know well and trust,” he said.
Asked whether Moloto would be allowed to continue serving as mayor while the case is being finalised, Auchab gave no definite answer, saying only: “The executive will meet and decide upon that.” Moloto became the youngest mayor in 2012 when she was elected to that position. At the time she was only 29.
She previously served as the town’s deputy mayor.
Auchab’s deputy, Dudu Murorua, on Wednesday downplayed fears that Moloto’s scandal would have a negative on the party’s looming campaign for the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority elections.
Political observers have noted that the scandal could weaken the party’s electoral chances, given that other parties might use the scandal to discredit the UDF. Mayor Moloto is expected to make a second appearance in court next week.