By Koviao Matuzee
Documents obtained by Confidente have lifted the lid on a series of controversial proposals linked to Otjiwarongo mayor Leonard Simushi, including a push for a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado costing about N$1.5 million, a dedicated personal assistant under his direct control and a land deal involving municipal property.
The documents detail motions and correspondence surrounding the three matters.
The biggest bone of contention is a motion submitted by Simushi seeking to change the council’s executive fleet procurement specification from a proposed Toyota Fortuner to a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX-R 2.8 GD automatic.
The motion argues that the Prado would better meet the mayor’s operational and safety requirements because of his frequent travel during early mornings and late evenings.
It describes the Prado as more durable and secure, citing its chassis, stability in adverse weather conditions and suitability for executive protection.
“The replacement of the Toyota Fortuner with a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is not a luxury upgrade but a practical, financially prudent, and operationally necessary realignment of fleet resources,” the submission states.
The proposal acknowledges that changing from the originally specified Fortuner to the Prado would require additional capital expenditure above the existing allocation.
It further argues that the Prado would offer better long-term value through a longer service life, fewer major repairs and stronger resale value.
However, the motion did not provide comparative calculations demonstrating the projected savings.
A quotation from Indongo Toyota Windhoek dated 31 March 2026 placed the cost of the 2026 Prado VX-R at N$1,529,454.80, inclusive of VAT, accessories, licensing and registration.
Council insiders are of the opinion that the quotation was valid for seven days and therefore did not necessarily represent the price at which the vehicle would ultimately have been purchased.
Sources say the motion was rejected by council, who informed Simushi that he vehicle would remain council property after his mayoralship.
Recuitment drama
A separate motion submitted by Simushi sought council approval for a dedicated personal assistant (PA) to serve his office.
The submission, which was scheduled for consideration at a council meeting on 23 April 2026, argues that a PA was necessary to assist him with administrative responsibilities, including investor engagements, diplomatic duties and community matters.
The proposal sought an immediate temporary appointment, followed by formalisation of the position into a permanent post within 90 days.
More significantly, the motion proposed giving the mayor the sole prerogative to identify and approve his preferred candidate, citing the confidential nature of information handled by the mayor’s office and the need for trust between the mayor and the assistant.
The proposed PA would report directly and exclusively to the mayor’s office.
The proposal was met with opposition from the council and municipal admnistrators who quetionedt how such an appointment would operate alongside established municipal recruitment and human resources procedures.
“He went ahead and appointed someone for three (3) months and he confirmed the person into tha position without following procedures,” a source told Confidente.
Land controversy
The third matter involves municipal land described in correspondence as Private Open Space, Portion 40 Remaining, Otjiwarongo Extension 8.
A letter dated 3 July 2025 and addressed to the municipality’s chief executive officer sought to renegotiate the purchase price of the property, citing its location in a floodplain, its condition and possible planning and environmental restrictions.
The letter contains an offer written as “N$600,000” and also proposes giving the municipality a 10 percent shareholding in the proposed project.
Separate allegations have placed the property’s value at approximately N$30 million.
The circumstances surrounding the property have also drawn Simushi into the dispute, although he maintains that he never personally applied for the land.
Straightforward detail
When approached by Confidente about three matters, Simushi rejected allegations that he had improperly pushed for an expensive official vehicle, irregularly appointed a PA or personally attempted to acquire municipal land at a reduced price.
He challenged those making the allegations to produce evidence and rejected suggestions that he had insisted on being provided with the Prado.
On the land matter, Simushi said the application had instead been made by his wife.
“I never applied for any council plot myself,” Simushi said. He added that his wife had applied for the property but had not purchased it.
Asked specifically about allegations that he sought to acquire the property for N$600,000, Simushi responded: “That’s a lie also.”
He also denied attempting to influence any council decision relating to the property.
On allegations surrounding the PA position, Simushi maintained that no assistant had been appointed.
“No, there is no assistant that is appointed. There is nothing,” he said.
Meanwhile, council management committee chairperson Namibia Kandume, when contacted for comment, asked Confidente to call her back after 20 minutes, calls which went unanswered.
Questions sent to Otjiwarongo municipality chief executive officer Mberipura Hifitikeko had also not received a response by the time of going to print as his telephone call went unanswered.
