Maria Amakali 

The temporary board of the National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (Fishcor) yesterday announced it has terminated the employment of its suspended CEO Mike Nghipunya.

The dismissal comes hot on the heels of media reports suggesting Nghipunya - who is in custody pending his trial on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering - was allegedly giving orders to managers from jail. 

Namibian Sun reported yesterday on allegations by the Fishcor board claiming Nghipunya, who was suspended without pay, was still directing the running of the corporation from prison. 

Board chairperson Mihe Gaomab II yesterday said the termination of Nghipunya’s employment was with immediate effect “based on the conclusion of supervening impossibility of performance of service and or unreasonable duration of the service thereof to date, and uncertainty as to the persistence of the impossibility of service to the company”.

Affectionately known as Tate Mike, Nghipunya was placed on suspension following his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia in February. Nghipunya is charged alongside former fisheries minister Bernhard Esau, former minister of justice Sacky Shanghala, former Investec Asset Management Namibia managing director James Hatuikulipi, Esau’s son-in-law Tamson Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelulo.  

On the charge of corruptly using office for gratification, the prosecution is alleging that Nghipunya, alongside Esau, Shanghala and James, used their offices or positions in a public body for gratification to obtain N$75.6 million that was paid to them or entities of their choice between August 2014 and December 2019. 

Last month, Windhoek High Court judges Christie Liebenberg and Claudia Claasen dismissed an appeal by Nghipunya following the refusal of Deputy Chief Magistrate Ingrid Unengu to release him on bail.

mamakali@nepc.com.na 

Fired… Former Fishcor CEO Mike Nghipunya.