Staff feel pinch of alleged N$510 000 internal theft

SuperSpar Keetmanshoop workers have been told their July salaries will be paid in two instalments – about 10 days apart – because of a shortfall caused by the alleged theft of N$510 000 by a staff member.

"This serves as formal notice that, due to insufficient funds resulting from theft committed by staff members, it will not be possible to pay salaries in full on the 23rd of July 2026," a notice, seen by Namibian Sun, reads.

"Accordingly, salaries will be paid in two instalments. The first payment of 50% will be done on the 23rd of July 2026, and the remaining balance will be paid before or on the 3rd of August," the notice, signed by "Mr Strauss", states.

The development comes after Morris Kepepiso (23), who worked as a supervisor in the supermarket's petty cash department, made his first appearance in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court last Thursday on a charge of theft.

Kepepiso is accused of pocketing about N$510 000 between 1 June and 7 July by failing to accurately record transactions processed through the FNB Cash Plus service and not maintaining proper documentation for petty cash disbursed for goods and services supplied to the supermarket.

During Thursday's proceedings, Kepepiso elected to conduct his own defence after being informed of his right to legal representation. State prosecutor Anna Nahango Nyanyukweni Otto opposed bail, arguing that investigations remain at an early stage.

The prosecution told the court that investigators still need to obtain CCTV footage, bank records and additional witness statements. The State further argued that more suspects are expected to be arrested in connection with the matter.

Magistrate Igna Kapinda Manyando questioned the prosecution's assertion that the accused could interfere with the collection of CCTV footage and bank statements, noting that such evidence is obtained independently.

The prosecution responded that the investigation extends beyond documentary evidence and that outstanding witness statements, together with the anticipated arrest of additional suspects, warranted Kepepiso remaining in custody.

The court postponed the matter to 28 September for further police investigation and ordered that Kepepiso remain in custody at Keetmanshoop Police Station.

The magistrate informed Kepepiso that he has the right to bring a formal bail application at a later stage. As part of the investigation, police seized four iPhone 12 phones, believed to have been imported from China.

No plea has been entered, and Kepepiso remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.