PG sends Donatus’ fraud case to regional court
The Office of the Prosecutor General has decided to transfer a fraud case against former Walvis Bay Rural Constituency councillor Florian Donatus to the Swakopmund Regional Court.
This was confirmed by Swakopmund magistrate Nelao Brown during Donatus’ appearance on Wednesday.
The prosecution confirmed that investigations are complete and the prosecutor general has decided to proceed with 13 counts of fraud, with alternative charges of 13 counts of theft or 13 counts of corruptly using office for gratification.
Donatus served as the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor on the Erongo Regional Council and was appointed chairperson after the removal of Swapo councillor Benitha Imbamba through a vote of no confidence. Imbamba later challenged the decision in the High Court, which ruled that her removal was unlawful and ordered her reinstatement.
During Donatus' tenure as chairperson, allegations emerged that he used the council’s credit card to make unauthorised purchases, including toiletries, cosmetics and groceries from Metro Cash & Carry in Swakopmund. The purchases reportedly totalled over N$116 000 between December last year and June this year.
The State alleges that Donatus unlawfully induced the retailer to believe he was acting on behalf of the council, despite knowing he was not authorised to do so.
He is represented by Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners.
‘Born politician’
Earlier this month, Donatus announced his resignation as both chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council and councillor for Walvis Bay Rural. However, he told Namibian Sun at court that he is not stepping away from politics permanently.
“I was born a politician,” he said, adding that, due to ongoing legal proceedings, he would not be able to participate actively in politics and would return to his profession as a mathematics and science teacher “until this is all over”.
Donatus said he remains in “high spirits” and on “good terms” with both the IPC leadership, his colleagues and political opponents.
The matter was postponed to 16 January. Donatus is currently out on N$50 000 bail.
This was confirmed by Swakopmund magistrate Nelao Brown during Donatus’ appearance on Wednesday.
The prosecution confirmed that investigations are complete and the prosecutor general has decided to proceed with 13 counts of fraud, with alternative charges of 13 counts of theft or 13 counts of corruptly using office for gratification.
Donatus served as the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor on the Erongo Regional Council and was appointed chairperson after the removal of Swapo councillor Benitha Imbamba through a vote of no confidence. Imbamba later challenged the decision in the High Court, which ruled that her removal was unlawful and ordered her reinstatement.
During Donatus' tenure as chairperson, allegations emerged that he used the council’s credit card to make unauthorised purchases, including toiletries, cosmetics and groceries from Metro Cash & Carry in Swakopmund. The purchases reportedly totalled over N$116 000 between December last year and June this year.
The State alleges that Donatus unlawfully induced the retailer to believe he was acting on behalf of the council, despite knowing he was not authorised to do so.
He is represented by Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners.
‘Born politician’
Earlier this month, Donatus announced his resignation as both chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council and councillor for Walvis Bay Rural. However, he told Namibian Sun at court that he is not stepping away from politics permanently.
“I was born a politician,” he said, adding that, due to ongoing legal proceedings, he would not be able to participate actively in politics and would return to his profession as a mathematics and science teacher “until this is all over”.
Donatus said he remains in “high spirits” and on “good terms” with both the IPC leadership, his colleagues and political opponents.
The matter was postponed to 16 January. Donatus is currently out on N$50 000 bail.
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