Police chief happy to be back

Police chief happy to be back City Police chief Abraham Kanime returned to his post yesterday morning after a 14-month suspension on allegations of serious misconduct.

“I am so happy; it is long overdue,” Kanime told Namibian Sun shortly after his return to office.

He confirmed that he had been given a letter yesterday morning, instructing him to report for duty within 72 hours. He was back on duty at 10:00, he said.

His return follows a special City Council meeting on Tuesday night, at which the council approved a recommendation by the management committee (MC) to reinstate him.

The special council meeting followed a 10 May High Court order by Judge Harald Geier that the City must make a final decision on Kanime's costly suspension on or before 22 May.

The court order was issued after last-minute negotiations by lawyers representing Kanime, the City Council and its CEO Robert Kahimise.

Kanime had lodged an urgent application to be allowed to return to work and to have his disciplinary proceedings finalised.

The parties agreed to set a date for Kanime's disciplinary hearing before 22 May.

By noon yesterday, it remained unclear whether Kanime had been provided with a date for the disciplinary hearing.

The municipality spokespersons could not confirm whether a date had been agreed on.

Kanime faces 19 charges related to the appointment of 20 people without CEO approval.

Of the total of 69 misconduct charges Kanime initially faced, charges 24 to 69 were withdrawn in January. They related to the appointment of City Police members in acting positions.

In an answering affidavit submitted during the hearing of the urgent application, City CEO Robert Kahimise said an inquiry into the allegations of misconduct was continuing.

JANA-MARI SMITH