Trio granted bail in N$3 million education ministry fraud case
Fraud related to photocopier machines
The ACC has accused two education ministry employees of colluding with a businessman to steal millions from the ministry since 2018.
Two education ministry employees and an accomplice have been granted bail after their arrest on on 21 June for allegedly defrauding the ministry of close to N$3 million between 2018 and 2023.
Cornelius Willemse, a 53-year-old stock control officer, and 54-year-old control administrative officer Veronica Goagoses, along with 56-year-old businessman Desmond Kays, were all charged with counts of fraud and corruption.
The ministry duo, along with their accomplice, appeared in the Katutura Regional Court on 22 June.
Goagoses and Kays were each granted bail of N$50 000 and Willemse was granted bail of N$25 000.
Fraud carried out
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Willemse, Goagoses, and Kays "corruptly connived" to defraud the ministry of nearly N$3 million that was paid to SSIT Trading Enterprises, a company run by Kays.
It is alleged that the company was awarded two tenders to supply and deliver photocopiers to the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) valued at N$451 080 in March 2018 and another to the education ministry at a cost of N$1.1 million in May 2018.
"Purchase orders were issued to SSIT and contracts were signed between SSIT and the ministry," the ACC stated.
Both employees are accused of "wrongfully, unlawfully, directly or indirectly and corruptly using their office or position to obtain gratification for their benefits or that of another person."
It is alleged that Goagoses approved and processed a once-off payment of N$451 080 and N$1 145 412 for the two tenders after Willemse, on 1 March and 2 May 2018, certified the purchase orders that the photocopier machines were correctly delivered and received by the ministry.
"Despite the fact that not a single photocopier machine had been delivered by then, the two violated the terms of the two contracts, which mandated that the rental of the photocopy machine be paid in 36 months equal monthly instalments of N$51 655.87 and N$12 099.68 for the duration of the contracts," the ACC added.
Additionally, it was revealed that even after collecting the fraudulent once-off payments, Kays continued to bill the ministry for the monthly rental payments on both tenders.
Favours solicited
It is alleged that Goagoses corruptly solicited, accepted, or agreed to accept gratification from Kays between March and May 2018.
"Namely, by asking for numerous favours in cash and fuel for her benefit or that of another person as an inducement or reward for providing assistance or using influence, or having previously provided assistance or used influence in payment of the price, consideration, or other money," ACC said in the statement.
Both Willemse and Goagoses are charged with contravening several sections of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003.
Kays is facing charges of fraud and for contravening sections of the Anti-Corruption Act related to bribery or giving assistance in relation to contracts.
Public interest
The ACC urged public servants to "put the national interests above their personal interests".
Moreover, "instead of engaging in corrupt behaviour, they must stop and report corrupt persons to law enforcement agencies. Those appointed or employed in positions or trust must commit to performing their duties diligently and ethically and uphold a high level of integrity at all times."
The case was postponed to today, 30 June.
Cornelius Willemse, a 53-year-old stock control officer, and 54-year-old control administrative officer Veronica Goagoses, along with 56-year-old businessman Desmond Kays, were all charged with counts of fraud and corruption.
The ministry duo, along with their accomplice, appeared in the Katutura Regional Court on 22 June.
Goagoses and Kays were each granted bail of N$50 000 and Willemse was granted bail of N$25 000.
Fraud carried out
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Willemse, Goagoses, and Kays "corruptly connived" to defraud the ministry of nearly N$3 million that was paid to SSIT Trading Enterprises, a company run by Kays.
It is alleged that the company was awarded two tenders to supply and deliver photocopiers to the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) valued at N$451 080 in March 2018 and another to the education ministry at a cost of N$1.1 million in May 2018.
"Purchase orders were issued to SSIT and contracts were signed between SSIT and the ministry," the ACC stated.
Both employees are accused of "wrongfully, unlawfully, directly or indirectly and corruptly using their office or position to obtain gratification for their benefits or that of another person."
It is alleged that Goagoses approved and processed a once-off payment of N$451 080 and N$1 145 412 for the two tenders after Willemse, on 1 March and 2 May 2018, certified the purchase orders that the photocopier machines were correctly delivered and received by the ministry.
"Despite the fact that not a single photocopier machine had been delivered by then, the two violated the terms of the two contracts, which mandated that the rental of the photocopy machine be paid in 36 months equal monthly instalments of N$51 655.87 and N$12 099.68 for the duration of the contracts," the ACC added.
Additionally, it was revealed that even after collecting the fraudulent once-off payments, Kays continued to bill the ministry for the monthly rental payments on both tenders.
Favours solicited
It is alleged that Goagoses corruptly solicited, accepted, or agreed to accept gratification from Kays between March and May 2018.
"Namely, by asking for numerous favours in cash and fuel for her benefit or that of another person as an inducement or reward for providing assistance or using influence, or having previously provided assistance or used influence in payment of the price, consideration, or other money," ACC said in the statement.
Both Willemse and Goagoses are charged with contravening several sections of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003.
Kays is facing charges of fraud and for contravening sections of the Anti-Corruption Act related to bribery or giving assistance in relation to contracts.
Public interest
The ACC urged public servants to "put the national interests above their personal interests".
Moreover, "instead of engaging in corrupt behaviour, they must stop and report corrupt persons to law enforcement agencies. Those appointed or employed in positions or trust must commit to performing their duties diligently and ethically and uphold a high level of integrity at all times."
The case was postponed to today, 30 June.
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