Family being 'targeted by scammers', Malakia Elindi says

Businessman Malakia Elindi, a central figure in the ongoing Namcor-Enercon fuel saga, says public misconceptions about the case have put his family at risk.He cited a recent incident in which scammers reportedly approached one of his two wives, demanding money under the false pretext that it was bail money for him and his other wife, who is also in custody in connection with the same case.“There is now a real danger. Our family members are being targeted by scammers pretending to represent us, asking them for bail money,” Elindi said.He has accused the State and the media of promoting a misleading narrative that exaggerates the scale of the alleged embezzlement.Appearing in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, Malakia said the case against him has been shaped more by speculation than fact, with authorities failing to present credible evidence while subjecting the accused to trial by media. “When you throw around big figures like N$480 million, the public starts to believe we’re so rich that money might fall out when we open the door,” he said.He criticised the State for repeating unverified figures echoed by the media, adding that such claims have not only distorted public perception but have also compromised his family's safety. Family, assets and local ties laid bareMalakia and his older brother, Peter Hango Elindi, are applying for bail after being arrested on 9 July, in connection with a N$53 million fuel supply agreement between Enercon Namibia and Namcor.The prosecution alleges the brothers benefitted from irregular contracts and diverted public funds through front companies for private enrichment.Both men remain in custody at the Windhoek Correctional Facility.According to court affidavits, Malakia (52) declared assets worth N$113 million and liabilities of N$28 million, resulting in a net worth of N$85.2 million.He owns multiple properties, including a N$22 million residence in Ondangwa, homes in Hochland Park, Khomasdal and Walvis Bay, and plots in Groot Aub, Ondangwa and Ondonga.He also holds a 50% stake in the Ombili Health Clinic, multiple vehicles including a 2023 BMW X6 and a Land Rover, and household contents worth over N$9 million. His businesses employ more than 26 Namibians.His brother Peter, aged 60, declared assets valued at N$90.9 million and liabilities of N$20 million.His portfolio includes the El Campo Etogo Farm near Omuthiya (N$40 million), a Hakahana property (N$13 million), and homes in Otavi and Hochland Village, as well as several cars, including a Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG, a Toyota Hilux V6, and a Land Cruiser.A holder of a Master of Laws degree and former liberation fighter, Peter said his family, employees and entire livelihood are based in Namibia.No intention to flee, Elindi says The brothers are represented by lawyer Sisa Namandje, who has told the court that the charges against his clients are vague, the evidence insufficient and the State’s narrative blown out of proportion by media sensationalism.Namandje argued that his clients’ deep economic ties, family roots and Namibian citizenship make them unlikely to flee. The prosecution has opposed bail, citing the severity of the allegations and the potential for witness interference. It alleges that funds paid to Enercon were channelled to entities controlled by the accused or used for non-contractual purposes.Elindi yesterday said that if granted bail, he is willing to pay N$20 000, stressing that he has no intention to abscond. “I only want to clear my name,” he said.He further defended his wife, Lydia Elindi, who was arrested alongside him, arguing that she had no involvement in Enercon’s affairs. “She shouldn’t be here. Lydia has nothing to do with the management of Enercon. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should have questioned me about her involvement before arresting her,” he told magistrate Linus Samunzala.The State, however, alleges that Lydia entered into a transaction with Enercon between 19 and 21 July 2022, receiving N$3.8 million as gratification linked to a deal between Enercon and Namcor for the purchase of nine service stations.Multiple accused The co-accused in the Namcor-Enercon fuel scandal include several former senior officials from Namcor. Among them is former managing director Immanuel Mulunga, who was suspended in April 2023 following allegations of misconduct.Also charged are Cornelius 'Cedric' Willemse, the former head of supply and distribution; Jennifer Hamukwaya, who served as chief financial officer; Olivia Dunaiski, previously the territory manager for downstream sales and marketing; and Davis Maphosa, a former retail manager.In addition to the Namcor executives, other accused individuals include Victor Malima of Eco Trading, the Elindi brothers and a spouse, and Panduleni Hamukwaya.They face charges including corruption, fraud and money laundering in connection with the controversial N$53 million Enercon-Namcor fuel deal.

Family being 'targeted by scammers', Malakia Elindi says

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-03

Please login to leave a comment

Family being 'targeted by scammers', Malakia Elindi says

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-03

Please login to leave a comment

Login