The Ministry of Finance has directed NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute to investigate himself after complaints of favouritism and nepotism were lodged against him by a human resources officer at the agency.

In a letter issued earlier this year, the Executive Director of the ministry instructed Shivute to handle the matter with confidentiality and diligence and to submit his findings by 30 June.

The directive followed a five-page complaint, much of it redacted, in which the HR officer accused Shivute of favouritism and nepotism.

The complaint later became the basis for social media postings by activist Michael Amushelelo, who, in May, accused Shivute of turning NamRA into his "personal cuca shop".

Amushelelo alleged that Shivute fathered a child with his personal assistant and used taxpayers’ money to buy a luxury vehicle worth N$3 million.

Shivute responded by filing a N$2 million defamation lawsuit against Amushelelo, saying the claims were false and damaging to his reputation.