ACC spotlights investigations in Erongo Region
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) gave an overview of ongoing investigations and cases in the Erongo Region, which include, among others, probes into disputes related to land allocation by traditional authorities and alleged violations within the mining sector.
Cases reported to and under investigation by the ACC also involve allegations of fraudulent invoicing and abuses in the issuing of driver’s licenses and national documents. misuse of municipal fuel cards and other irregular practices within local authorities.
During an annual media briefing in Swakopmund on Monday, a chief investigating officer at the ACC, Willem Olivier, highlighted finalised court cases that reflect the commission's efforts to tackle corruption within the region.
One case involved Simon Moses, who was convicted of bribing a Natis officer to issue a learner’s driver’s license, resulting in a 24-month prison sentence, which was partially suspended.
The second case involved Elia Nghipundjwa, who was found guilty of accepting bribes to secure additional sea-going opportunities. He received a 24-month sentence, suspended for five years and the alternative option of a fine.
Service delivery impacted by fraud
Olivier said there are currently 16 cases underway in court, covering a range of corruption issues from bribery by traffic officers to the misuse of government funds.
Additionally, 18 more cases are awaiting prosecutorial decisions, involving issues such as alleged embezzlement, falsified documentation and misuse of funds meant for public or educational purposes.
“These cases show the general nature of corruption affecting different levels of government and public services.”
'Big fish'
When asked to identify prominent cases currently under investigation, Olivier said one of the notable cases being investigated involves a prominent individual, described by Olivier as a "big fish".
The case, now at the director-general's office, involves allegations linked to the Walvis Bay municipality, with payments exceeding two million dollars.
"This case is significant not only because of the amount involved but also due to the prominence of the individual involved. It is one of the most substantial cases we've handled."
The case includes a property scandal involving the “big fish’s” son after he allegedly contravened procedures for self-gratification, Olivier said.
Olivier also addressed the current Redforce matter in Walvis Bay.
“At this moment, we are still gathering information and have not yet begun a full investigation. The case file is already in our system. Once we complete the report, it will be forwarded to the director-general for assessment to determine if further investigation is warranted."
He added: "We need a proper statement from the individual who reported the case to proceed."
The ACC report indicated the financial scale of corruption investigations and cases, with amounts ranging from N$2 000 to over N$150 000.
The substantial sums involved in these cases emphasise the need for ongoing vigilance and robust mechanisms to address and prevent corruption.
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Cases reported to and under investigation by the ACC also involve allegations of fraudulent invoicing and abuses in the issuing of driver’s licenses and national documents. misuse of municipal fuel cards and other irregular practices within local authorities.
During an annual media briefing in Swakopmund on Monday, a chief investigating officer at the ACC, Willem Olivier, highlighted finalised court cases that reflect the commission's efforts to tackle corruption within the region.
One case involved Simon Moses, who was convicted of bribing a Natis officer to issue a learner’s driver’s license, resulting in a 24-month prison sentence, which was partially suspended.
The second case involved Elia Nghipundjwa, who was found guilty of accepting bribes to secure additional sea-going opportunities. He received a 24-month sentence, suspended for five years and the alternative option of a fine.
Service delivery impacted by fraud
Olivier said there are currently 16 cases underway in court, covering a range of corruption issues from bribery by traffic officers to the misuse of government funds.
Additionally, 18 more cases are awaiting prosecutorial decisions, involving issues such as alleged embezzlement, falsified documentation and misuse of funds meant for public or educational purposes.
“These cases show the general nature of corruption affecting different levels of government and public services.”
'Big fish'
When asked to identify prominent cases currently under investigation, Olivier said one of the notable cases being investigated involves a prominent individual, described by Olivier as a "big fish".
The case, now at the director-general's office, involves allegations linked to the Walvis Bay municipality, with payments exceeding two million dollars.
"This case is significant not only because of the amount involved but also due to the prominence of the individual involved. It is one of the most substantial cases we've handled."
The case includes a property scandal involving the “big fish’s” son after he allegedly contravened procedures for self-gratification, Olivier said.
Olivier also addressed the current Redforce matter in Walvis Bay.
“At this moment, we are still gathering information and have not yet begun a full investigation. The case file is already in our system. Once we complete the report, it will be forwarded to the director-general for assessment to determine if further investigation is warranted."
He added: "We need a proper statement from the individual who reported the case to proceed."
The ACC report indicated the financial scale of corruption investigations and cases, with amounts ranging from N$2 000 to over N$150 000.
The substantial sums involved in these cases emphasise the need for ongoing vigilance and robust mechanisms to address and prevent corruption.
[email protected]
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