Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has accused the Kunene Regional Council of using its employees as a “human shield” to protect what he describes as the illegal occupation of the chief regional officer’s office by George Kamseb.

Muharukua made the remarks in a written response to a petition submitted by employees of the Kunene Regional Council on Thursday after staff members reportedly did not receive their June salaries.

“We regret that the matter has been allowed to degenerate to the point where hardworking employees of the Kunene Regional Council are being prejudiced through the non-payment of salaries,” Muharukua said.

He said the public had not been fully informed about the circumstances surrounding the salary delays.

Muharukua said Kamseb, together with those who continue to protect him, are responsible for denying employees their June salaries, not minister James Sankwasa

The governor further alleged that the regional council and Kamseb had deliberately involved employees to prevent Kamseb from being removed from office.

“They have elected to use staff as a human shield to protect Kamseb’s illegal occupation of the office of the chief regional officer and to illegally handle public funds,” he said.

Muharukua said he has invited Sankwasa to a meeting scheduled for 1 July at Opuwo in an attempt to find a solution.

The salary dispute stems from an ongoing standoff between Sankwasa and the regional council over Kamseb’s continued employment as chief regional officer of the Kunene Regional Council.

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