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Gunship
1st May 2002, 10:19
Windhoek - Air Namibia's former acting CEO Peter Chikumba, a Zimbabwean citizen, was summarily dismissed on Friday night on charges of alleged fraud which could lead to his being kicked out of the country.

Chikumba will be remembered for the prayer sessions he held in management meetings during which he "asked God to help him and his team to rid Air Namibia of fraud and corruption".

Central to the charges is the alleged manner in which Chikumba as foreigner managed to acquire an extended work permit by means of which he obtained a new contract with Air Namibia.

Reliable sources say other charges relate to the huge losses incurred in the Gambia, the issue of flight tickets for night flights and the acquisition of Fokker F.28 parts.

New acting Air Namibia CEO Gernot Riedel at the weekend admitted that the Chikumba's services was suspended late on Friday. He said he could not comment on the issue, and that the matter would receive attention on Monday.

'Bright-eyed boy'

Chikumba was to be formally charged on Monday. A disciplinary hearing would then follow to determine Chikumba's future.

Chikumba at the end of last year took over from Dr Jafaar bin Ahmad in a controversial manner after the latter was suspended under strange circumstances. Chikumba from the onset organised prayer sessions in which all managers had to take part so that "God would save Air Namibia".

Chikumba's contract would have come to an end early this year, but it was extended when the present temporary management plan was extended by two months until the end of June. He was appointed special advisor for the new Air Namibia management team during this period.

Meanwhile it was also determined that Chikumba managed to have his residence/work permit extended by two years, thereby also ensuring another two-year contract with Air Namibia.

By Sunday it was not clear how he managed to do so, but persons in high places are being fingered in the alleged fraud. Some circles are of opinion that Chikumba could be kicked out of the country this week if fraud can be proved.

Night flights

Chikumba's suspension relates to night flights with the Fokker F.28 in the Gambia and huge losses incurred with the plane.

The acquisition of spare parts for the Fokker ordered by Chikumba as chief engineer of Air Namibia will also be probed. The parts were bought at exorbitant prices. The issue of flight tickets in the Gambia would also be investigated.

Apparently Air Namibia had been warned as early as 2000 that the Gambia agreement would be risky. According to the agreement with the bankrupt Gambia International Airways, Chikumba was in control of the operation for three months. The period was extended to a year, and although several members of management tried to stop the Gambia operation, Chikumba proceeded with the blessing of Dr Jaafar. Documents referred to Chikumba as Jaafar's "bright-eyed boy".

The documents warned that Air Namibia was in fact operating the Fokker illegally because it failed to obtain landing rights and because it still owed Gambia International Airways a huge sum of money.

The documents also warned that the agreement with the Gambia was concluded on a wrong footing. Air Namibia stood no chance of making a profit, while it still had to carry most of the costs.

Huge losses

Air Namibia eventually withdrew from the operation after suffering huge losses. At one stage the Gambia threatened to seize the Fokker, which was then returned to Windhoek, where it has ever since been standing idle at Eros airport.

Vekuii Rokoro, chairperson of the Air Nambia board of directors, said he could not react to the allegations. He has been out of town since Friday and would only hear the facts on Monday, he said. - Republikein

:D GUNSHIP :D

B Sousa
3rd May 2002, 03:27
Soooprise, Soooprise.

spacedaddy
14th May 2002, 09:09
I have known Peter Chikumba for 15 years going back to when he was in the engine shop at Air Zim. I have been involved with him in many sucessful deals. All were above-board. Never any kickbacks or dubious behaviour. He can be an overly stubborn individual but I have found him to be an honest and hardworking person in all positions he has had. Air Zim made a mistake not to cofirm him as CEO when he was acting. What he lacks in top management experience he makes up for in surrounding himself with dedicated professionals and vibrancy. Let's see him get an honest shake in his hearing and view the results. We may find that the mud should be thrown at Dr. Jafaar.

Gunship
14th May 2002, 13:57
Spacedaddy,

Glad to hear there might still be two sides to a coin !

Cheers