The Chief Executive Officer of Katima Mulilo Town Council, Rafael Liswaniso has been suspended once again with strict conditions requiring him to remain within the town's jurisdiction, among other requirements.

Liswaniso was suspended first last year and faced 44 misconduct related charges.

The suspension was lifted last week following a Labor Court ruling in his favor. 

However, in less than a week, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development approved immediate suspension of Liswaniso with pay.

This came with conditions though that Liswaniso surrendered all council property in his possession except his cell phone. 

He is also required to remain within the town's jurisdiction, make himself available when needed, and seek prior approval should he wish to travel.

The letter, presented by Katima Mulilo Mayor, Kabende Kabende states that the suspension is a precautionary, pending the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing.

Advocate Puteho Kangumu,Liswaniso’s legal representative said:

“It is my instruction that it is common cause that both my clients purported precautionary suspension of 28th October 2025, purported internal disciplinary hearing as scheduled and the instant purported suspension of 13th April 2026 has become consistent in the public gallery and or circulation in the public domain.

“It is my instruction that such conduct is deemed solely to instigate, influence, the members of the public and citizenry in general negatively about my clients character and damage his reputation , professional integrity in all spheres of influence,” he said.

The legal representative alleged that the Minister's decision to aprove the suspension without a recommendation from Council falls short of expected conduct. 

He further described the Mayor's move to re-suspend the CEO is ill-advised as it failed to recognize the arbitration award that is binding on both parties

Kabende explained that Liswaniso's labour court ruling was only on his suspension without pay, which the town council honoured by reinstating him.

He was therefore now suspended with full pay, due to the fact that he still has an ongoing disciplinary hearing.

 Kabende also made it clear that Liswaniso's suspension was not a directive from the ministry, but rather a resolution taken by council management, which was submitted to the line ministry seeking approval, which was then granted.