The forensic investigation into alleged misconduct of several officials of the Walvis Bay municipality was completed this week. The auditing firm Ernst & Young had until 18 January to investigate. Allegedly, half a dozen officials, their relatives and friends were in arrears with their water and electricity payments. Their services were not cut off, due to their good "connections" to the municipal officials giving them an unfair advantage. This led to cumulative debts of thousands of dollars, as was discovered last month. Six senior officials were immediately suspended, including the CEO, Mr Augustus Katiti and financial manager Muronga Haingura.

PLUS learnt that in the meantime at least 18 municipal employees allegedly had their water supply disconnected after internal investigations revealed they had gained unfair advantage and 26 their electricity. Another 13 customers had their electricity disconnected and a further 10 their water. This group of 23 has allegedly benefited from being friends of those municipal officers who are said to have arranged that their municipal services were continued despite not having paid.