Governor’s Office Refutes Borehole Funds Theft Claim Following House Break-In
By TUW
The Office of the Kavango West Regional Governor has dismissed claims that funds intended for a borehole project were stolen during a break-in at Governor Verna Sinimbo’s residence, describing such allegations as false and misleading.
This follows the arrest and bail denial of a 22-year-old suspect, Andreas Muyongo Mungongi, who appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court in connection with a series of housebreaking incidents. According to court proceedings, Mungongi allegedly broke into the Governor’s parents’ homestead, where the Governor stays when visiting the village, and stole personal household items.
In a detailed press statement issued on Monday, the Governor’s Office clarified that no cash whether personal, official, or linked to any government project was stolen from the Governor’s residence. Items reported missing include perfumes, bedding, bed linen, lotions and other personal effects, all of which were officially recorded in a police docket opened at Nkurenkuru.
The statement further explained that a separate incident involved the Governor’s parents, who reported the loss of a small amount of cash, less than N$2,000, from their cuca shop, along with minor shop goods such as cooking oil, tinned food items and recharge vouchers.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is also accused of breaking into a nearby shebeen before fleeing the Kavango West Region. He was later apprehended in Gobabis. Bail was denied after the court considered the seriousness of the charges and the risk of absconding.
The Governor’s Office strongly rejected reports suggesting that borehole or water project funds were kept at a private residence, stating that such claims demonstrate a misunderstanding of government financial procedures. According to the statement, funds for borehole projects fall under the Directorate of Rural Water Supply within the responsible ministry and are never disbursed or stored as cash by Governors.
The Office further criticised the circulation of unverified information, noting that no attempt was made by the journalist involved to seek comment from the Governor, the Namibian Police, or to verify details through official police records.
As a result, the Governor has formally demanded an immediate correction of the misinformation, a public apology for reputational harm caused, and disclosure of the source of the incorrect claims. The Office also warned that legal action may be considered should the matter not be addressed promptly.
The Governor’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging media practitioners to uphold ethical journalism standards by verifying facts before publication.
