Katima mulilo: The Katima Mulilo Town Council has suspended its embattled Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raphael Liswaniso, days after he was reinstated.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a suspension letter dated 13 April 2026, seen by this news agency, was signed by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa. 'Approval is hereby granted in terms of section 29 (6) (b) of the Local Authorities Act No. 23 of 1992, as amended, to suspend the chief executive officer with pay, and this takes effect immediately,' read the letter.

No further details are provided in the letter, whose authenticity was confirmed by Katima Mulilo Mayor Kabende Kabende. Kabende declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing nature of the issue at the town council.

The latest suspension comes days after the Office of the Labour Commissioner overturned Liswaniso's previous suspension in a ruling which declared his prolonged unpaid suspension unfair, and ordered his immediate reinstatement.

In a ruling delivered last week, labour arbitrator Bester Maiba set aside the suspension and ordered the council to pay Liswaniso all backdated salary and benefits.

The dispute dates back to 28 October 2025, when Liswaniso was removed from his position amid allegations of maladministration and corruption. The initial suspension was executed by a ministerial representative after Sankwasa dissolved the elected council to facilitate investigations.

Liswaniso subsequently challenged his suspension through the Office of the Labour Commissioner. During arbitration proceedings, Liswaniso was represented by Advocate Puteho Kangumu, assisted by Bernard Tjatjara, who argued that the suspension was unlawful as it was effected without a prior investigation or formal hearing. They further contended that the ministerial representative had exceeded their authority, as only the council has the legal mandate to suspend a CEO under the Local Authorities Act.

The Katima Mulilo Town Council, represented by Kaijata Kangueehi, maintained that the minister acted within his rights to appoint a representative and that the unpaid suspension adhered to municipal regulations. However, Maiba ruled that the council's internal processes were fundamentally flawed and failed to meet the requirements of its own regulatory framework.

Kabende said the council will provide further updates as developments unfold.