Analysts: Imalwa reappointment good for Fishrot momentum
JEMIMA BEUKES
WINDHOEK
Analysts believe the reappointment of Martha Imalwa as prosecutor-general, by President Hage Geingob on recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), is a positive development in light of the unfolding Fishrot bribery scandal that has rocked the Namibian nation to its core.
Imalwa recently made the decision to prosecute individuals implicated in the scandal, with two more people arrested yesterday by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The Judiciary yesterday announced the reappointment of Imalwa for five years until December 2025. She has been in the position since 2004.
Continuity
Political commentator Graham Hopwood said it was a shame that the appointing authority had failed to heed the calls of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement for a public recruitment process. However, Hopwood added that it was otherwise a good appointment to provide for a sense of continuity in the Fishrot bribery scandal.
“It is an incredibly complicated case which involves many companies and individual bank accounts in different jurisdictions, and since she is already at the stage of approving the prosecution, it is wise that someone who is aware of the complexities involved, is in charge,” he said.
Another political commentator, Ndumba Kamwanyah, also believes that Imalwa's reappointment is commendable.
“Her office is in the middle of a major corruption case and you need someone familiar with this case instead of bringing in a new person who must first learn the processes and in the process jeopardise the case,” he said.
Kamwanyah added, however, that it is not advisable to have people serving in such critical and powerful positions for such a long time.
“Yes, the person may be competent but I also believe other professionals must be given an opportunity so that we see the comparison how they perform in the system. The Namibian people have been crying for this,” he said.
Under fire
Imalwa has in the past been criticised for sitting on cases and failing to prosecute major corruption cases.
During a media briefing last year, Imalwa responded to those who branded her “the chief of corruption”, a term that epitomised her as the most corrupt person in the country, she said.
“If I am corrupt, why have I not been prosecuted?” she asked, adding that she was not above the law.
At the time she also dismissed claims that she had been shielding prominent politicians and their cronies from prosecution and that she allowed them to disregard the country's laws with impunity.
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WINDHOEK
Analysts believe the reappointment of Martha Imalwa as prosecutor-general, by President Hage Geingob on recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), is a positive development in light of the unfolding Fishrot bribery scandal that has rocked the Namibian nation to its core.
Imalwa recently made the decision to prosecute individuals implicated in the scandal, with two more people arrested yesterday by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The Judiciary yesterday announced the reappointment of Imalwa for five years until December 2025. She has been in the position since 2004.
Continuity
Political commentator Graham Hopwood said it was a shame that the appointing authority had failed to heed the calls of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement for a public recruitment process. However, Hopwood added that it was otherwise a good appointment to provide for a sense of continuity in the Fishrot bribery scandal.
“It is an incredibly complicated case which involves many companies and individual bank accounts in different jurisdictions, and since she is already at the stage of approving the prosecution, it is wise that someone who is aware of the complexities involved, is in charge,” he said.
Another political commentator, Ndumba Kamwanyah, also believes that Imalwa's reappointment is commendable.
“Her office is in the middle of a major corruption case and you need someone familiar with this case instead of bringing in a new person who must first learn the processes and in the process jeopardise the case,” he said.
Kamwanyah added, however, that it is not advisable to have people serving in such critical and powerful positions for such a long time.
“Yes, the person may be competent but I also believe other professionals must be given an opportunity so that we see the comparison how they perform in the system. The Namibian people have been crying for this,” he said.
Under fire
Imalwa has in the past been criticised for sitting on cases and failing to prosecute major corruption cases.
During a media briefing last year, Imalwa responded to those who branded her “the chief of corruption”, a term that epitomised her as the most corrupt person in the country, she said.
“If I am corrupt, why have I not been prosecuted?” she asked, adding that she was not above the law.
At the time she also dismissed claims that she had been shielding prominent politicians and their cronies from prosecution and that she allowed them to disregard the country's laws with impunity.
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