The Swapo Party has recalled the Oniipa mayor, Jafet Nangolo.
The Party directed Nangolo to refrain from all party activities and to not communicate with the local authorities, its Chief Executive Officer, and Swapo Councillors.
Swapo Party Regional Coordinator, Armas Amukwiyu, issued the suspension letter, saying it is in line with the Swapo Party Constitution and its Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
Amukwiyu says the decision was made by the Oniipa District Executive Committee, which recommended Nangolo's suspension to the regional executive committee. It is alleged that Nangolo colluded with the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) during the November council elections. The Swapo Party holds four seats on the Oniipa council, while the IPC holds the remaining three seats.
According to documents in nbc News possession, the councillor allegedly refused to caucus with fellow party members before the council elections, where it was decided that the then incumbent mayor, Hileni Idhogela, would again be nominated for the position. However, Nangolo was nominated and seconded by IPC councillors. He accepted the nomination, and he got elected, following a secret ballot. He then also nominated an IPC member to take the Deputy Mayoral position.
All Swapo Party councillors were under instruction not to collaborate or go into alliance with the IPC.
The Swapo District Executive Committee then recommended to the Regional Executive Committee that Nangolo be recalled from the council, as he acted contrary to party instructions, collaborated with the IPC, and embarrassed the Swapo Party and three of his fellow party councillors.
In a letter to Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, the regional executive unanimously recommended that Nangolo be recalled from the council and replaced by the next person on the party list. The letter to Nangolo also reads that Nangolo should not communicate about any issue linked to the Swapo Party.
Yesterday, some supporters of Nangolo staged a demonstration calling for his reinstatement.
Contacted for comment party SG Sophia Shaningwa says she is out of the country and cannot comment on the matter prematurely.