Oshana crime fighters dispirited Demands return of Christina Fonsech The network of men and women committed to the fight against crime is falling apart after several job offers from the health ministry were withdrawn. The Oshana Women and Men Network against Crime is on the edge of collapsing with members saying they are not getting much support from the Namibian police. This came to light after the health ministry cancelled 35 employment contracts for these members. They are of the view that Nampol is not doing anything to assist them despite an investigation being launched. They allege that Nampol informed them there were no irregularities.
They have now become frustrated and are pointing fingers at each other.
A source at the Oshana police told Namibian Sun that the crime fighters are demoralised.
Only few of them are still active while the majority do not go into operations anymore.
They are claiming that Nampol does not value their contribution towards combating crime in the region. They are complaining that since Christina Fonsech went to the Khomas Region and the former regional commander, Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa went into retirement, nobody cares for them anymore. This was confirmed by the group''s deputy chairperson, Delila Mbabi.
She said only few members are active and some have written to police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga, requesting for Fonsech to be brought back to Oshana to continue with the group she founded with Kashihakumwa some eight years ago.
“Fonsech used to encourage us to work hard and stay committed. Together with Kashihakumwa, they could fight for us. When our employment opportunity from Oshakati Intermediate Hospital was cancelled, we were disappointed and nobody seems to be bothered to help us. It was alleged that there was some form of corruption but Nampol investigated and found no foul play. Then it just ended there,” Mbabi said. She continued that the intermediate hospital started requesting them to clean and patrol their premises in 2009.
“On 9 January last year a team of our group management went to see the hospital management requesting them for them to give us employment, and our request was then considered, but later cancelled,” Mbabi added.
A letter seen by Namibian Sun dated 16 April 2015 from the former regional health director for Oshana, Sakaria Taapopi addressed to the former health permanent secretary, Andrew Ndishishi, seeking for approval for the hospital to recruit 38 members of the network into various positions including cleaners, massager, therapists, handymen, cooks, equipment attendants, portal assistants, administrative officers and several other positions.
Ndishishi approved the request and signed their letters of appointment on 2 June 2015.
They were supposed to start working on 1 July 2015. However, the current permanent secretary at the health minister Andreas Mwoombola cancelled all these appointments on 8 June this year without giving any explanation.
“They must clear my name and give reasons why they cancelled these employment offers. Members are now accusing me and other group leaders, but the issue was investigated by the relevant authorities. I am now the hated person in the group and people are no more interested in activities of the group,” She said.
ILENI NANDJATO