Mbangu Warns of “Banana Republic” as Koch Withdrawal Raises Questions Over Selective Accountability
Rundu Rural Constituency Councillor, Paulus Mbangu has questioned Parliament’s consistency in applying standards of accountability after the withdrawal of Rachel Nathaniel-Koch as the proposed chairperson of the Land Tribunal.
Mbangu’s criticism centres on what he sees as a double standard within Namibia’s public institutions.
He pointed to cases linked to major scandals who have continued to hold senior public positions, while Nathaniel-Koch’s nomination was withdrawn following objections raised in the National Assembly.
In particular, Mbangu referenced the SME Bank scandal, where former SME Bank board chairperson Frans Kapofi was among six former directors sued by the bank’s liquidators over allegations that they acted recklessly in their management of the bank. The liquidators alleged that the directors allowed Zimbabwean businessman Enock Kamushinda and others to have free rein, contributing to the loss of about N$247 million. Kapofi denied wrongdoing and later confirmed that he paid N$1 million to settle the case.
Kapofi remains a senior government figure and Member of Parliament, currently serving as Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs. Parliament records and recent reports confirm his continued role in the National Assembly.
It is against this background that Mbangu questioned Parliament’s decision to withdraw Koch’s nomination.
Mbangu argued that Namibia risks becoming a “banana republic” when standards of accountability are applied selectively.
He questioned how individuals associated with serious allegations surrounding the SME Bank scandal and the Fishrot saga can continue occupying positions in Parliament, while the same institution has the authority to withdraw Koch’s nomination over allegations linked to her time at the Namibia Tourism Board.
The Rundu Rural councillor questioned whether Parliament is applying the same standard to everyone, asking how it can demand the highest ethical standards from some individuals while appearing to overlook more serious allegations involving others.
For Mbangu, the issue is therefore not simply about whether Koch should chair the Land Tribunal. He believes it raises wider questions about fairness, consistency and accountability within Namibia’s governance system.
The controversy began after Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani moved to withdraw Koch’s nomination in the National Assembly and replace her with Gakumbi Rekasivenna.
Zaamwani, however, cautioned MPs against treating the allegations against Koch as established facts. She said she had reviewed Koch’s history and that the claims raised in the House had not been proven.
Koch herself strongly rejected the decision following the minister’s announcement. She described the development as “a witch hunt of the highest order” and alleged that it contained an element of tribalism against Kavango people.
The allegations surrounding Koch relate to her previous tenure on the Namibia Tourism Board, including questions raised over travel arrangements and expenses. However, the minister made it clear that the withdrawal of her nomination should not be interpreted as an admission that the allegations were proven.
Mbangu’s intervention has consequently shifted the debate beyond Koch’s nomination, placing the focus on whether Namibia’s institutions are applying accountability standards consistently, and whether political leaders are being held to the same standards when allegations of misconduct arise.
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