Kandara death mystery returns

The name Lazarus Kandara - and his mysterious death in 2005 - is set to take centre stage when seven people with links to his Avid Investment Corporation finally go on trial for allegedly defrauding the Social Security Commission (SSC) of N$30 million. Among the list of 66 witnesses, of whom 41 are currently being tracked down by the police ahead of the May 19 trial date, is Kandara’s wife Christophine Ndapewa Kandara. The long-awaited trial is expected to run until July 31. Like a shadow over the proceedings will be Kandara’s apparent suicide, shortly after his arrest in 2005. According to the police he shot himself after they took him to fetch items at his home. A cloud of controversy still hangs thick over Kandara’s death. The seven accused who will go on trial this month are former Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Paulus Kapia, Namangol Asset Management Company CEO Nico Josea, retired Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Brigadier Mathias Shiweda, former acting secretary-general of the National Youth Council (NYC) Ralph Blaauw and his wife Sharon, Avid’s secretary Inez //Gases and lawyer Otniel Podewiltz. They were arrested in April 2008 for allegedly obtaining N$30 million under dubious circumstances from the SSC. The money was invested in an offshore company, but it could later not be accounted for. All the accused are out on N$10 000 bail. They are charged with fraud, alternatively theft, corruption and giving false evidence in an inquiry in terms of the Companies Act. Nampol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi said the witnesses are currently being tracked down by the police. “If and when they all see their names appearing in all newspapers, they should immediately contact the investigators. We need to locate them because the court has to finalise this fraud case. It is long overdue,” said Kanguatjivi. On the evening of August 24, 2005, following a second day of testimony about the dealings of asset management company Avid Investment Corporation, Kandara was arrested at the High Court in Windhoek on charges of fraud and theft. Avid was started by Kandara in 2004 and landed a N$30 million investment deal with the Social Security Commission in January 2005. Kandara was giving evidence during a Companies Act inquiry that was sparked in July the year before when the SSC asked the High Court to declare Avid bankrupt, because it had failed to repay the SSC's N$30 million. Just hours after his arrest, Kandara was dead. A gunshot wound from a 9mm Beretta pistol to his chest in front of the Windhoek Police Station had ended his life. According to the Police, the wound was self-inflicted. Police claimed Kandara had managed to get hold of the gun during a visit to his home in Windhoek after his arrest. Three cops attached to the Serious Crime Unit escorted Kandara to his home, allegedly to enable him to collect medication, a mattress, bedding and a change of clothes. This was around 21:00. The witnesses who are being asked to contact Detective Warrant Officer Elifas Namdjembo at 081 296 6143, or Detective Chief Inspector Sandema at (061) 209 3306 or 081 284 0658, are: Tuli Hiveluah, Eric Knouwds, Maria Magdalena Mungunda, De Wet Esterhuizen, Gideon Fredrick Mulder, Avril Godfried Green, Tonata Shiimi, Abel Hermanus Badenhorst, Christo Bezuidenhout, Marita Botha, Jacobus Fredrick Brayshow, Mariane De Kerk, Petrus Jacob Du Plooy, Nadiema Eberenz, Sylvis Gille, Paul /Goagoseb, Renette Goussard, Elfriede Graf,Michael Nicholas Groenewald, Yoolokeni Mwaulange Haihambo, Henrich Helm, Wilbur Izaaks, Barend Hermanus Janeen, Wilma Joubert, Christophine Ndapewa Kandara, Margie Kein, Isak Ben Khabeb, Erica Kruger, Louretta Louw, Edward Willem Mostert, Etuna Nashima, Karel Jacobus Nel, Caroline Nghifitikeko, Tileinge Sacharia Oholima, Hester Opperman, Desderia Schroder, John Stephanus Smith, Charlotte von Wielligh and Elizabeth Williams. WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA