2016-08-16Staff Report 2 Ongwediva The Omusati Regional Council (CRO) last Friday put its chief regional officer (CRO) Protasius Andowa, as well as the deputy director of finance Elizabeth Mutota, on forced leave to pave the way for an investigation into financial matters at the council. “The investigation will focus on the use of funds and so many other things, but it is too early to point out the specific areas to be investigated. If there are issues, they will be discovered from the investigation,” related an official that did not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing probe. The director of general services Gervasius Kashindi has been appointed as the acting CRO. The governor of Omusati Region Erginus Endjal confirmed the leave – however the governor would not dwell much on the case as he had been out of the country. “I was informed when I landed, but I am yet to be briefed. But I am also not back in the region, I am attending a drought conference in Windhoek,” said Endjala. According to a reliable source in the regional council, the length of the leave will be determined by how long the investigation will take to complete. The decision was taken at a regional council meeting, which was deliberating on administration issues at the council. New Era understands the leave was initiated to ensure the two officers do not interfere in the investigation and their absence would also create a favourable environment for the investigation. No case has been opened against them. New Era is reliably informed the duo are only allowed at their offices if they are required during the investigation. Both Andowa and Mutota’s mobiles went unanswered on Monday. Kashindi’s phone also went unanswered. 2016-08-16Staff Report 2
