Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ester Mbathera
Published on 2024-03-13 12:38:20
Swapo central committee (CC) member Charles Mubita has filed a legal case against Erongo-based party member Reinhold Shipwiikineni for defamation based on a WhatsApp audio. The court documents, dated 12 March, state that Shipwiikineni made derogatory comments suggesting that Mubita was being used like “toilet paper” by individuals who were violating party principles. Shipwiikineni’s remarks, as presented in the audio transcript, implied that Mubita was aiding those who were going against Swapo’s constitution and rules, thereby betraying the party and engaging in activities that were harmful to its interests.
Shipwiikineni has been critical of how Swapo’s CC endorsed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. He also hinted that Mubita’s affiliation with the party was damaging his educational and political reputation.
In the audio, Shipwiikineni is quoted as saying, “My message to you, comrade Mubita, I send this very strongest and powerful message to Dr Charles Mubita. Comrade Mubita, what you need to know is that the future of toilet paper is only the drain. The house of the toilet paper is only the toilet pot. This is what you need to register in your mind. You are tarnishing your own future political career.”
Mubita is seeking financial compensation of N$370,000 along with an order for Shipwiikineni to retract the defamatory statements and issue an unconditional apology within five days of the court ruling. Additionally, Mubita is requesting punitive costs to be imposed on Shipwiikineni for the harm caused by the defamation.
Shipwiikineni acknowledged receiving the summons but denied sharing any audio mentioning Mubita. He accused Mubita of creating political controversies to extort money from him instead of focusing on his own economic advancement. Shipwiikineni challenged Mubita to present evidence in court to corroborate his claims.
Shipwiikineni also expressed surprise that Mubita, a fellow CC member, had hired another CC member, Sisa Namandje, as his legal representative in the case against him. He criticized this move, claiming that some individuals within the party believed they were above the law and acted as if they owned Swapo. Shipwiikineni emphasized that Swapo was not a private enterprise to be used for personal vendettas, and expressed concerns about the leadership within the party.
He stated, “Swapo is not a dictatorship. I am even worried about the party’s leadership. The two are conflicted. I am going to oppose the cooked summons.”
This legal dispute between two Swapo members highlights internal conflicts within the party and raises questions about the proper conduct of its members. Mubita’s decision to take legal action and Shipwiikineni’s denial of the accusations underscore the need for transparency and accountability within the political organization.
Read the original article on The Namibian
