Kunene Regional Council rejects second court order to remove acting CRO …minister questions why council is appealing Kamseb’s removal …chairperson ridicules default judgment, says council was denied day in court

Renthia Kaimbi

The Kunene Regional Council is refusing to remove acting chief regional officer George Kamseb despite a second High Court ruling declaring his appointment unlawful.

The standoff with urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa now threatens a complete administrative shutdown.

Sankwasa has frozen government funding to the council, demanding the appointment of an acting chief regional officer who would be legally qualified to account for state funds.

The minister has warned that without a properly appointed accounting officer, public money cannot be disbursed to the region.

Council chairperson Western Muharukua told the Windhoek Observer that Kamseb cannot be removed pending the outcome of an appeal against the High Court judgement delivered by Judge Esi Schimming-Chase on 27 October 2025.