…as probe launched into several allegations

TOSHAO of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Lenox Shuman has stepped down from his post as village leader as the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the village investigate several allegations levelled against him.Reports are that several matters, including financial accountability, administrative matters and general conduct within the village were brought against him recently. The investigation will last three calendar weeks.

Efforts to reach Shuman on Wednesday were futile; however the popular village chief noted recently on social media, that on January 29, 2017, he faced the “potential impeachment” as Chief. He said that as dictated by Law, he stepped aside to give way to an investigation.

He encouraged villagers to conduct themselves in a dignified manner and continue to uphold the laws; his statement spoke to unification as well as to respect for the privacy of his family. According to reports, Shuman met with officials of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs earlier this week.

Shuman, who is well known for donning traditional indigenous garb, sits on the National Toshaos Council (NTC) as the body’s vice-chairman. He was elected to that post in August 2015, following a meeting of indigenous leaders at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. A month earlier, he was elected village leader of St Cuthbert’s Mission. Following the 2015 general and regional elections, Shuman returned from Canada where he worked as an airline pilot. His term as village leader ends in 2018.