The Roads Contractor Company (RCC) has “forced” acting chief executive Dasius Nelumbu to take leave while it investigates his involvement in a N$17 million fuel deal involving undelivered fuel allegedly paid to entities linked to fugitive businessman Victor Malima.

The fuel transactions involve companies linked to individuals implicated in the ongoing Namibia National Petroleum Corporation corruption case, Simeon Handjene and Malima.

The RCC launched an investigation on 18 September after The Namibian reported that the company, under Nelumbu’s watch, had paid N$30 million for fuel, of which fuel worth N$17 million had not been delivered.

An email dated 28 September and seen by The Namibian, titled ‘Internal Circular Addressed to All Employees’, shows how RCC board chairperson Lea Namoloh informed employees that Nelumbu had been placed on leave until further notice.

“Please be advised that Mr Dasius Nelumbu will be on leave with effect from 28 September 2026 until further notice,” she says.

Sources close to the matter say Nelumbu was removed from his accounting officer powers before he was placed on leave.

According to Namoloh, Martin Shivute will act on his behalf and has been granted full executive authority by the board to perform and exercise all the duties, powers, and responsibilities associated with the position.

“Supervisors and managers at all sites are kindly requested to ensure that this communication is brought to the attention of employees who do not have access to email.

“Your cooperation and support are appreciated, and we trust that you will extend your full assistance to Mr Shivute as he discharges his responsibilities,” she says.

The source close to the matter describes the leave as “forced”, saying the board announced the acting chief executive’s leave, raising questions about whether the decision was linked to the ongoing investigation.

Source: https://www.namibian.com.na/rcc-forces-nelumbu-on-leave-over-n17m-fuel-deal/