Aupindi back in court this week

Former Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Managing Director Tobie Aupindi is scheduled to make another appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court along Lüderitz Street on a charge of corruption this week.

Aupindi, 36, and co-accused Antonio di Savino are expected to make their second court appearance either today or Tuesday.

The two accused persons appeared before Windhoek Magistrate Vanessa Stanley on September 23 last year, when their alleged corruption case was remanded until February 6, 2012 for plea and trial.

Public Prosecutor Erich Naikaku appeared for the State during the two men's first court appearance last year.

Aupindi faces a couple of charges under the Anti-Corruption Act - one of corruptly providing false information to an authorised officer, and a count of attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice.

It was reported that the accused had provided false information to an investigating officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), William Lloyd, by stating that he had paid N$50 000 in cash to LIC Pools for the swimming pool installed at his house in 25 Kestrel Street, Hochland Park.

The allegation against Aupindi is that he did not pay for the swimming pool himself, and that Di Savino paid for the pool as a kickback.

It is alleged that Aupindi got the swimming pool for free in exchange for tile tenders awarded to his co-accused for work done at NWR resorts.

Di Savino, like Aupindi, faces charges of providing false information to an ACC investigator, and attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice.

Aupindi left the NWR at the end of December 2010, four months before his contract expired.

Newspaper reports alleged that he received a golden handshake of about N$4, 5 million from the NWR, whereas he allegedly wanted a N$10 million separation package.

In February 2010, it was reported that Aupindi had been pocketing hefty sums in board fees.
Aupindi is currently the Africa Regional Director and Vice-President of Hydrocarb Corporation, an energy, utilities and mining enterprise.

click to enlarge ANOTHER APPEARANCE: Tobie Aupindi © NAMPA