The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has demanded answers regarding allegations of illegal land sales within the Gciriku Traditional Authority during a period when the area was without a Hompa (chief).

The traditional authority lacked a leader for nearly seven years, prompting Sankwasa to question who assumed the duties of the Hompa during this time. He alleges that land was sold without proper permission by individual Masimbis (elders).

“Shihonena Farm for the late Theobald Ngandu was bought by Ponehle Pawa Kaghulandwa; Mayowe farm for Faustinus Mpareke was bought by a certain white man, whose name is unknown; Elias Muthenge Farm for Mr. Elias Ndumba was bought by Mr. Henrich Lombaoleni Shayimange; Augustinus Mashika Farm was bought by a certain Matuku; and Vihoma farm for Brigitha Vihoma, whose buyer is still unknown,” Sankwasa said.

He further explained some alleged mismanagement, noting that individuals paid approximately N$5,000 for consent letters to acquire farms.

The Power Station named after the late Chief Kassian Shiyambi is also a site of concern, where certain Close Corporations paid up to US$20,000 in cash for consent letters.

“All this occurred during the absence of a chief, and as the minister responsible for traditional authorities, I require a detailed report from the traditional authority accounting for all land mismanagement between 2019 and now. There is no law in this country allowing land sales without proper authority. Who gave you permission? Where did you channel the money?” Sankwasa demanded.

He emphasized that the traditional authority and the Hompa are custodians of the land, not owners.

Chief Councillor Festus Shikerete acknowledged reports of land sales following issuance of consent letters during his administration but clarified that consent letters should be issued without any payment except for the official traditional authority stamp costing fifty dollars.

He anticipates a thorough investigation once the Hompa is officially coronated.