ACC’s renewed vigour not due to political pressure – Noa
More than 20 arrests in less than a year
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa says the agency’s recent wave of arrests and intensified investigations, including high-profile cases involving state-owned enterprise Namcor, Swapo-linked figures and regional council officials, is not the result of political pressure from the new administration.
Instead, Noa attributes the accelerated anti-corruption push to decisions by the prosecutor general and the availability of new evidence, which have prompted the commission to reopen and expedite several investigations.
“ACC’s momentum will always be renewed whenever there is evidence justifying action. Hence, our renewed call to members of the public to always report suspicious corrupt practices,” Noa told Namibian Sun yesterday.
“Our commitment remains as ever before. Whenever there is evidence justifying action, we will act. That is our mandate, and we will continue to encourage the public to come forward,” he said.
Over 20 arrests in 10 months
Between February and November this year, the ACC has arrested more than 20 individuals across different sectors of government and public enterprises.
Those apprehended include Namcor executives, a Swapo Party candidate for the Omaruru constituency in the upcoming regional elections, and the chief regional officer of the Zambezi Regional Council.
Despite public speculation linking this spike in activity to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s strong anti-corruption rhetoric, Noa maintains that the commission’s independence remains intact.
“The current administration’s stance has only served as motivation for us to execute our mandate with renewed energy,” he said.
“The current administration, just as the former administrations, has vowed not to condone corruption, a commitment which has continuously boosted ACC’s determination in the execution of its mandate," Noa added.
Corruption declared ‘treason’
During her inauguration speech in March, Nandi-Ndaitwah likened corruption to treason, warning that it breeds public frustration that could destabilise government.
Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare later reinforced that message in parliament and on social media, saying all offices, ministries and agencies of state must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
In July, Ngurare also revealed that Noa had briefed him on several ongoing investigations, including the Namcor probe, on the same day that arrests in that case were executed.
High-profile cases
In the Namcor matter, nine individuals – including former managing director Immanuel Mulunga – were charged in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court for alleged corruption and gratification under the Anti-Corruption Act. Others charged include Cornelius Willemse, Jennifer Hamukwaya, Peter Malakia, Lydia Elindi, Austin Elindi, Olivia Dunaiski and Leo Nandago.
Earlier this year, the ACC also made several lower-profile but notable arrests, including Kefas Amutenya, a handyman at the ministry of agriculture who was arrested in Oshikoto for allegedly soliciting a N$300 bribe – his second such offence.
In February, Anna Nuwuseb, an administrative officer at Tobias Hainyeko Primary School, was arrested for allegedly accepting N$8 280 in bribes for school admissions.
Also in February, Richard Geiseb, a former principal of Kolin Foundation Secondary School in Arandis, was arrested for alleged fraud, theft and money laundering. Three police officers – deputy commissioner Rector Sandema, detective senior inspector Martin Basson and detective senior inspector Johannes Anghuwo – were arrested that same month for allegedly soliciting bribes totalling N$25 000.
One after another
In August, the ACC arrested Zambezi Regional Council chief regional officer Regina Ndopu-Lubinda, who was charged with 59 counts related to the Zambezi Waterfront Tourism Park tender.
She appeared alongside Linyanti constituency councillor Ivenne Kabunga and Solo Mutelo, and all three were granted bail of N$50 000 each.
In May, the ACC also confirmed the arrest of individuals linked to a Roads Authority corruption case at Walvis Bay.
In October, four members of the Namibian Police Force – Frans Nakangombe, Errky Nekwaya, Stephanus Amatundu and Gabriel Nduma – were arrested for allegedly demanding bribes from suspects in exchange for bail.
On 5 November, ACC investigators arrested Natalia Guriras (55), deputy director for programmes and quality assurance in the Erongo regional education office, and Betty Somses (44), in connection with false information allegedly submitted to the University of Namibia in 2018.
Days later, on 10 November, Hendrina Gerberhardt, Swapo Party candidate for the Omaruru constituency and former mayor of Omaruru, was arrested over alleged corruption during her tenure at the municipality.
Instead, Noa attributes the accelerated anti-corruption push to decisions by the prosecutor general and the availability of new evidence, which have prompted the commission to reopen and expedite several investigations.
“ACC’s momentum will always be renewed whenever there is evidence justifying action. Hence, our renewed call to members of the public to always report suspicious corrupt practices,” Noa told Namibian Sun yesterday.
“Our commitment remains as ever before. Whenever there is evidence justifying action, we will act. That is our mandate, and we will continue to encourage the public to come forward,” he said.
Over 20 arrests in 10 months
Between February and November this year, the ACC has arrested more than 20 individuals across different sectors of government and public enterprises.
Those apprehended include Namcor executives, a Swapo Party candidate for the Omaruru constituency in the upcoming regional elections, and the chief regional officer of the Zambezi Regional Council.
Despite public speculation linking this spike in activity to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s strong anti-corruption rhetoric, Noa maintains that the commission’s independence remains intact.
“The current administration’s stance has only served as motivation for us to execute our mandate with renewed energy,” he said.
“The current administration, just as the former administrations, has vowed not to condone corruption, a commitment which has continuously boosted ACC’s determination in the execution of its mandate," Noa added.
Corruption declared ‘treason’
During her inauguration speech in March, Nandi-Ndaitwah likened corruption to treason, warning that it breeds public frustration that could destabilise government.
Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare later reinforced that message in parliament and on social media, saying all offices, ministries and agencies of state must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
In July, Ngurare also revealed that Noa had briefed him on several ongoing investigations, including the Namcor probe, on the same day that arrests in that case were executed.
High-profile cases
In the Namcor matter, nine individuals – including former managing director Immanuel Mulunga – were charged in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court for alleged corruption and gratification under the Anti-Corruption Act. Others charged include Cornelius Willemse, Jennifer Hamukwaya, Peter Malakia, Lydia Elindi, Austin Elindi, Olivia Dunaiski and Leo Nandago.
Earlier this year, the ACC also made several lower-profile but notable arrests, including Kefas Amutenya, a handyman at the ministry of agriculture who was arrested in Oshikoto for allegedly soliciting a N$300 bribe – his second such offence.
In February, Anna Nuwuseb, an administrative officer at Tobias Hainyeko Primary School, was arrested for allegedly accepting N$8 280 in bribes for school admissions.
Also in February, Richard Geiseb, a former principal of Kolin Foundation Secondary School in Arandis, was arrested for alleged fraud, theft and money laundering. Three police officers – deputy commissioner Rector Sandema, detective senior inspector Martin Basson and detective senior inspector Johannes Anghuwo – were arrested that same month for allegedly soliciting bribes totalling N$25 000.
One after another
In August, the ACC arrested Zambezi Regional Council chief regional officer Regina Ndopu-Lubinda, who was charged with 59 counts related to the Zambezi Waterfront Tourism Park tender.
She appeared alongside Linyanti constituency councillor Ivenne Kabunga and Solo Mutelo, and all three were granted bail of N$50 000 each.
In May, the ACC also confirmed the arrest of individuals linked to a Roads Authority corruption case at Walvis Bay.
In October, four members of the Namibian Police Force – Frans Nakangombe, Errky Nekwaya, Stephanus Amatundu and Gabriel Nduma – were arrested for allegedly demanding bribes from suspects in exchange for bail.
On 5 November, ACC investigators arrested Natalia Guriras (55), deputy director for programmes and quality assurance in the Erongo regional education office, and Betty Somses (44), in connection with false information allegedly submitted to the University of Namibia in 2018.
Days later, on 10 November, Hendrina Gerberhardt, Swapo Party candidate for the Omaruru constituency and former mayor of Omaruru, was arrested over alleged corruption during her tenure at the municipality.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article