Aupindi’s trial postponed

The trial of the former managing director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Tobie Aupindi and his Italian business partner, Antonio Di Savino who are both facing fraud charges, has been postponed to 2017.
Magistrate Ndapewa Celma Amadhila yesterday postponed the trial to 20 July 2017.
The state is alleging that Aupindi and Di Savino provided false information to an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officer.
According to the state, Di Savino is alleged to have paid N$50 000 for a swimming pool which was built at Aupindi’s home in return for tenders for the refurbishment of NWR resorts.
Aupindi and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to the charges when the corruption trial started on 6 February 2012.
Earlier in February this year, Aupindi and Di Savino, applied for the recusal of Windhoek Magistrate Helvi Kauna Shilemba from presiding over the continuation of their alleged corruption trial, but their application has been dismissed.
Acting Judge Kobus Miller had ruled that nothing was put before the court in argument to show that grave injustice or failure of justice is likely to ensue if the criminal trial against the applicants proceeds before Magistrate Shilemba.
He subsequently referred the matter back to the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court for the criminal trial against the two applicants to be finalised before magistrate Shilemba. He also ordered the two businessmen to pay the legal costs of the unsuccessful application.
In 2012, the duo’s application to be discharged was also dismissed.
They had argued that the state had no prima-facie evidence presented before court indicating that they were involved in corrupt transactions as the state claims.


FRED GOEIEMAN