Conradie corruption trial begins today

Windhoek lawyer Dirk Conradie and Sarah Damases, who were arrested in June 2012 on corruption charges, will go on trial in the High Court today. The trial is set to run until May 15. This was made public by Deputy Prosecutor-General Ed Marondedze when Conradie and Damases made another appearance before High Court Judge Elton Hoff during a pre-trial conference of case management on July 3 last year. They were arrested by investigators attached to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on charges of corruption. This was in connection with a N$60 million MTC advertisement contract, on whose board Conradie served as chairperson at the time. Damases is accused of conspiring with Conradie to commit an offence. It is alleged that Conradie corruptly solicited gratification as an inducement or reward for giving assistance or using his influence in the promotion or procurement of a contract with MTC for the provision of advertising services. Conradie has represented several people in high-profile court cases in Namibia. He also serves in various influential national positions, including the Lands Tribunal. WINDHOEK NAMPA