Interpol hot on the trail of fugitive Malima

Nearly a year after fugitive businessman Victor Malima vanished across Namibia’s borders as the explosive Namcor fuel scandal erupted, authorities say an international manhunt through Interpol channels remains active to track down and extradite the Eco Fuels owner back to Namibia.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed that Malima - the owner of Eco Fuels and former Enercon Namibia boss - is still wanted on corruption and fraud charges linked to the sprawling N$1.6 billion Namcor debt saga.

“ACC still wants the suspect, Mr Malima, to be arrested and charged accordingly,” ACC director-general Paulus Noa told Namibian Sun on Friday.

“As regards progress in arresting and repatriating him to Namibia, suspects who have fled outside the country are pursued through the Interpol Unit under NamPol,” Noa added.

Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi did not immediately provide an update on Malima’s whereabouts.

Malima remains the only major accused still on the run while several co-accused in the Namcor corruption and fraud case have already secured bail after spending months in custody.

The Windhoek High Court recently granted bail of N$50 000 each to businessmen Peter Elindi and Malakia Elindi, former Namcor managing director Imms Mulunga and former Namcor finance executive Jennifer Hamukwaya.

Former Namcor manager Olivia Dunaiski and Leo Nandago were granted bail of N$20 000 each after spending more than eight months behind bars following their arrests in July last year.

Escape across the border

Investigators believe Malima fled Namibia through the Wenela border post at Katima Mulilo Border Post shortly before an ACC stop notice was activated on the immigration system.

Authorities initially sought assistance from Zambian officials but later found no formal immigration record showing that Malima entered Zambia, strengthening suspicions that he crossed directly into Angola.

At just 34 years old, Malima is regarded as one of the central figures in the scandal that plunged the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) into a massive financial crisis.

Investigators believe that through Eco Fuels and Enercon Namibia, Malima orchestrated fuel supply arrangements that allowed the companies to continue receiving fuel on unsecured credit despite mounting unpaid debts.

Court records show that in March 2022, Namcor consolidated Eco Fuels’ debt of roughly N$73 million into Enercon’s books, which already carried an estimated N$35 million liability.

The combined debt allegedly continued growing as fuel supplies were extended without fresh repayment guarantees, eventually forming part of Namcor’s exposure now exceeding N$1.6 billion.

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