Kapofi denies systemic corruption in defence ministry
Defence minister Frans Kapofi has rejected the notion that the entire procurement system in his ministry is corrupt or that it tolerates such conduct.
Kapofi told the National Assembly, in response to AR leader Job Amupanda's question, that the defence ministry does not deny the possibility that individual staff members may be involved in inappropriate conduct.
Amupanda had claimed that the defence ministry is involved in corrupt acts and that in most of these corrupt transactions, the top "munenes" [big bosses] of the defence system are always involved.
While the minister acknowledged that some individuals may be involved in such activities, he said assuming that everyone is complicit is far-fetched.
Appropriate action
Kapofi said when such issues arise, the ministry investigates each case thoroughly and takes appropriate action.
"You may not always hear or read about these actions because we do not publicise our internal investigations," Kapofi said.
He added, "If you are aware of specific instances of corruption and the individuals involved, you are free to report them to us; we would also like to know."
According to Kapofi, this does not mean the ministry has anything to hide; it acts on facts and respects the supreme law of the land.
Kapofi added that if there is a case of corruption or misconduct, it is referred to the internal body responsible for conducting investigations and determining the appropriate course of action if someone is found guilty.
"When action is taken against a junior staff member, it is because the outcome of a fair and thorough investigation pointed in that direction. The idea that there is always a "munene" behind each case of corruption is a fallacy," Kapofi said.
Case opened for N$4m payment
The minister said he is aware of a case involving August 26 Construction, a subsidiary of August 26 Holdings, and the //Kharas Regional Council concerning N$4 million.
"However, my understanding, and that of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, as well as that of August 26, appears to differ from yours. In November 2024, a payment of N$4 million was expected to be made on August 26th for the construction of the Karas Regional Council offices.
"However, despite the client's claim that such a payment was made, the funds were never reflected in August 26's bank account. Therefore, the Regional Council would be better positioned to explain why the money took a detour," Kapofi explained.
He further stated that when he heard about these claims, and with the funds not having been reflected in August 26 Construction's bank account, a case of fraud and misrepresentation, case number CR124-11-2024, was initiated.
"The matter is under police investigation. Should the findings confirm fraud and misrepresentation, the law will take its course," Kapofi added. "I therefore appeal to you, my dear brother, to allow the police to do their job. Regarding your second question, corruption is not embedded in the defence procurement system or in August 26."
N$10m car part case
Regarding the N$10 million car part scandal, Kapofi stated that he was initially unaware of the matter, but upon learning of it, he instructed the accounting officer to launch an investigation and provide an explanation.
"The matter of the fabricated invoice later became clear. As you are aware, the staff member has been suspended.
"Fortunately, no money was lost. The ongoing investigation is focused on determining the intent behind the action.
"You also mentioned the N$3 million, claiming it disappeared on August 26th Logistics. I must correct you. First, the money did not disappear. It was an advance loan issued without court authorisation. Second, the amount was N$2.5 million, not N$3 million, as you allege. Due to our commitment to safeguarding public funds, we have since recovered the entire amount."
He added that following the investigation, disciplinary actions were taken.
"There was also a case of misappropriation of funds at the former August 26th Textile, now August 26th Manufacturing, which led to the repossession of both movable and immovable assets from the individuals involved."
"These assets have since been registered and transferred into the company's name. The case is ongoing, and further court rulings in the company's favor are expected," Kapofi said.
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Kapofi told the National Assembly, in response to AR leader Job Amupanda's question, that the defence ministry does not deny the possibility that individual staff members may be involved in inappropriate conduct.
Amupanda had claimed that the defence ministry is involved in corrupt acts and that in most of these corrupt transactions, the top "munenes" [big bosses] of the defence system are always involved.
While the minister acknowledged that some individuals may be involved in such activities, he said assuming that everyone is complicit is far-fetched.
Appropriate action
Kapofi said when such issues arise, the ministry investigates each case thoroughly and takes appropriate action.
"You may not always hear or read about these actions because we do not publicise our internal investigations," Kapofi said.
He added, "If you are aware of specific instances of corruption and the individuals involved, you are free to report them to us; we would also like to know."
According to Kapofi, this does not mean the ministry has anything to hide; it acts on facts and respects the supreme law of the land.
Kapofi added that if there is a case of corruption or misconduct, it is referred to the internal body responsible for conducting investigations and determining the appropriate course of action if someone is found guilty.
"When action is taken against a junior staff member, it is because the outcome of a fair and thorough investigation pointed in that direction. The idea that there is always a "munene" behind each case of corruption is a fallacy," Kapofi said.
Case opened for N$4m payment
The minister said he is aware of a case involving August 26 Construction, a subsidiary of August 26 Holdings, and the //Kharas Regional Council concerning N$4 million.
"However, my understanding, and that of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, as well as that of August 26, appears to differ from yours. In November 2024, a payment of N$4 million was expected to be made on August 26th for the construction of the Karas Regional Council offices.
"However, despite the client's claim that such a payment was made, the funds were never reflected in August 26's bank account. Therefore, the Regional Council would be better positioned to explain why the money took a detour," Kapofi explained.
He further stated that when he heard about these claims, and with the funds not having been reflected in August 26 Construction's bank account, a case of fraud and misrepresentation, case number CR124-11-2024, was initiated.
"The matter is under police investigation. Should the findings confirm fraud and misrepresentation, the law will take its course," Kapofi added. "I therefore appeal to you, my dear brother, to allow the police to do their job. Regarding your second question, corruption is not embedded in the defence procurement system or in August 26."
N$10m car part case
Regarding the N$10 million car part scandal, Kapofi stated that he was initially unaware of the matter, but upon learning of it, he instructed the accounting officer to launch an investigation and provide an explanation.
"The matter of the fabricated invoice later became clear. As you are aware, the staff member has been suspended.
"Fortunately, no money was lost. The ongoing investigation is focused on determining the intent behind the action.
"You also mentioned the N$3 million, claiming it disappeared on August 26th Logistics. I must correct you. First, the money did not disappear. It was an advance loan issued without court authorisation. Second, the amount was N$2.5 million, not N$3 million, as you allege. Due to our commitment to safeguarding public funds, we have since recovered the entire amount."
He added that following the investigation, disciplinary actions were taken.
"There was also a case of misappropriation of funds at the former August 26th Textile, now August 26th Manufacturing, which led to the repossession of both movable and immovable assets from the individuals involved."
"These assets have since been registered and transferred into the company's name. The case is ongoing, and further court rulings in the company's favor are expected," Kapofi said.
[email protected]
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