N$74m in illicit funds seized

Government has through its efforts to fight corruption seized N$74 million to date, attorney-general Albert Kawana announced in parliament last week, following questions from parliamentarians on the Fishrot saga. Parliamentarians had earlier last month probed Kawana on the bribery scandal, which has landed former lawmakers and businessmen behind bars.First to take on Kawana was Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) leader Mike Kavekotora, who questioned how N$17.5 million was transferred from state-owned Fishcor to law firm Sisa Namandje Incorporated's trust account.“Following the passing of the Anti-Corruption Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, an amount of N$74.6 million has been seized up until the end of January this year as a result of corruption and related activities,” Kawana said.The money raised was being kept in the Criminal Asset Reserve, Kawana said.“In addition, a number of vehicles were forfeited to the state. A house in Oshakati is also now state property,” he added.According to Kawana, it showed that Namibia was a beacon of democracy on the continent.Commenting on the Fishrot saga, Kawana noted it was a complex matter, saying it involved a number of countries that were assisting Namibia.“This case is complex as it involves investigations in a number of countries. Some of those countries are not comfortable if this matter is always in the media and their countries are always mentioned. I therefore appeal for restraint in order not to jeopardise this case. Loose talk or loose reporting can easily destroy the cooperation of other countries or authorities,” he said.Late last year, President Hage Geingob directed Kawana to investigate alleged corruption and nepotism in the sector.Former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau were forced to relinquish their Cabinet positions amid allegations of corruption and money-laundering.Esau and Shanghala, among other, stand accused of receiving bribes in return for giving preferential access to Namibia's rich fishing grounds to Icelandic seafood company Samherji. It is alleged that the politicians and their alleged accomplices pocketed at least N$150 million in kickbacks over four years. They remain behind bars. OGONE TLHAGE

N$74m in illicit funds seized

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

Please login to leave a comment

N$74m in illicit funds seized

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

Please login to leave a comment

Login