Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eliaser Ndeyanale
Published on 2024-03-03 06:00:00
Ongandjera King Johannes Mupiya is in a legal dispute with a black empowerment entity over a payment of N$15 million in profits stemming from a deal involving Heineken’s acquisition of a stake in NBL Investments. This deal, which saw Heineken acquire a 50.01% stake in NBL for N$5.4 billion, benefited various entities, including Epia Investment Holdings, in which the late Aron Mushimba was involved.
Epia Investment Holdings, which held a 49% stake in NBL, is now being pressed by King Mupiya to pay him N$15 million from the proceeds of the deal. This demand is based on Mupiya’s claim that he is entitled to the money as part of his inheritance from his late uncle, Ongandjera chief Jafet Munkundi, who held a stake in Tuakondjeni Investments, a subsidiary of Epia.
In a letter sent through his lawyer, Mupiya asserts his right to the payment, citing the increased income to Epia resulting from the Heineken deal in 2023. The company, however, intends to pay the funds to Munkundi’s estate, contending that Mupiya is not the rightful heir to the money. The matter is further complicated by disagreements over Munkundi’s estate and the beneficiaries of his shares in Tuakondjeni Investments.
Epia’s executive chairman, Tjeripo Hijarunguru, claims that Mupiya was recognized as the sole heir to Munkundi’s estate by high-ranking officials, including then-justice minister Utoni Nujoma and auditor general Junias Kandjeke. However, conflicting accounts from Kandjeke and O&L’s corporate affairs manager, Gideon Shilongo, raise doubts about the validity of Mupiya’s claim as the rightful heir.
Despite the legal complexities surrounding the inheritance dispute, King Mupiya remains steadfast in his demand for the N$15 million payment. If Epia fails to comply by the specified deadline, Mupiya threatens to take legal action in the High Court to enforce his claim.
The ongoing saga highlights the complexities of inheritance and ownership rights in Namibia, particularly among traditional and politically connected figures. The outcome of this dispute will likely have far-reaching implications for the involved parties and may set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
In the meantime, stakeholders await further developments in this contentious legal battle as King Mupiya and Epia Investment Holdings continue to vie for control over the disputed funds.
Read the original article on The Namibian
