Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Freddy Mwiya has been placed on forced leave by the commission’s board to make way for internal investigations, following allegations that he threatened a board member.
New Era Sport established through reliable inside sources that Mwiya has been placed on a 14-day forced leave in order to allow the board to launch an internal investigation into allegations that Mwiya threatened to physically harm one of the board members Monica Shapwa.
According to insiders, Mwiya and Shapwa allegedly clashed heads late last month after Shapwa – on the instructions of the board – tried to change the names of signatories to the NSC’s various bank accounts.
Mwiya was, however, not happy with the move and apparently threatened to physically harm his superior should she insist and move ahead with such a move.
A police case has since been opened by Shapwa against Mwiya, this publication has also learned.
New Era Sport has further ascertained that relations between Mwiya and some board members have been at an all-time low, with the board demanding to get regular updates and insights on the financial and administrative affairs of the NSC, but Mwiya feels that the board has been interfering with his duties.
“At one point, Mwiya was even told by the board not to talk to the media about the affairs of the commission, as the board felt that he was causing more harm than good to the brand of the NSC. To be honest, his relationship with the board has not been the best as the push and pulling has now become constant. But what I can share with you in confidence is that the board has now placed Mwiya on forced leave for 14 days and very soon they will start with investigations around his issues with Shapwa and other internal matters that they feel have been maladministered,” shared one of the sources.
Contacted yesterday, Mwiya was reluctant to comment on the matter and briefly said: “I cannot comment on those things at this point in time. In fact, I’m here at my farm busy relaxing and enjoying what nature has to offer”.
Meanwhile, when reached for comment yesterday, Shapwa pleaded ignorance to all questions posed to her, saying she cannot remember having such an altercation with Mwiya.
“I have no idea what you are talking about. In fact, I’m only hearing these things from you for the first time. But try calling the board chairperson, maybe he will share more with you,” she said.
NSC board chairperson Nicky Mbaimbai yesterday briefly responded, saying “no comment”. – ohembapu@nepc.com.na