City Police Chief Kanime under suspension

Musa Zimunya

WINDHOEK, Mar. 26 – City Police boss Abraham Kanime is effectively under suspension, following a notice that classified him as a committer of serious misconduct.

A notice of suspension issued by Chief Executive Officer of Windhoek, Robert Kahimise read: “Following an internal audit exercise, I have reason to believe that you have committed a serious misconduct in your capacity as Head City Police.”

In addition,”Protecting the image of Council and by corollary the public interest must be my primary concern.”

Kanime and Kahimise have never sat on the same table, and this development might be construed as a highlight in a squabble that dates from last year.

Kahimise exercised his powers under Regulation 9(3) of the Windhoek Municipal Police Service Regulation No. 32 of 2013, and suspended Kanime with immediate effect, pending finalisation of investigations against him.

“As per Regulation 9(5) of Windhoek Municipal Police Service Regulations, please note that during the suspension period you are not entitled to basic wages unless otherwise directed by Council. Hence, you are requested to provide my office with your motivation for the basic wages not later than 1st April 2018 for Council’s consideration on the 4th of April 2018,” read the notice.

Additionally, Kanime will be deprived of the powers, duties, functions, and authority vested upon him.

It continued: “But you will continue to be subjected to the same discipline and penalties as if you have not been suspended.”

Throughout the suspension, Kanime has been instructed to hand over his office keys, access cards and his City Police Appointment Certificate at the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.

Kanime was further instructed to stay away from the premises of the City Police Department and instructed to refrain from all contact or communication with employees of the City of Windhoek, including his subordinates.

“You are further required to inform the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Windhoek in writing if you wish to travel out of Windhoek during the normal working hours.”

Kanime is under explicit instruction to be readily available within normal working hours to report for duty when required.

musa@namibiadailynews.info