The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) on Tuesday suspended an employee suspected to be involved in tampering with COVID-19 records.

In a media statement issued late on Tuesday, NIP Chief Executive Officer Kapena Tjombonde said the suspension is aimed at preserving the integrity of the investigations in progress, while maintaining stakeholder confidence. She said the decision comes pursuant to preliminary internal investigations, which points to the suspended employee using her position to tamper with information related to COVID-19 records on the NIP Laboratory Information System.

“The NIP does not condone any tampering with any of its records, processes and procedures. As a key stakeholder in the National COVID-19 Response, this is true for COVID-19 records. NIP has zero tolerance for abuse of office, position, access and breach of trust,” Tjombonde said.

She said NIP will manage the matter in line with its internal policies and subsequently a criminal case will be opened with the Namibian Police Force as well as with the Anti-Corruption Commission.

“This incident in no way affects the integrity of COVID-19 testing and consequently, the statistics provided by NIP daily, to the Ministry of Health and Social Services,” Tjombonde said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency