ACC warns councillors ‘not above the law’ amid chaos as arrests thwarted
ACC director general Paulus Noa has stressed that the Keetmanshoop councillors facing corruption charges "are not above the law", following a dramatic confrontation in which residents reportedly obstructed ACC officers attempting to arrest two of the accused.
Noa told Namibian Sun last week ago that four councillors are accused of violating section 43(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act and related provisions, alleging they “corruptly abused their public office or position for gratification”.
The case relates to the alleged sidelining of a top-scoring candidate in favour of another preferred by councillors. “You might recall the case where the best-scoring candidate was replaced because the councillors did not want her appointed,” Noa said.
He confirmed that the prosecutor-general had directed the matter to proceed to the regional court. “This docket is among many decisions received from the PG in November,” he added.
The attempted arrests of council chairperson Joseph Isaack and councillor Jeremia Goeieman turned chaotic early last week when a group of residents reportedly intervened to prevent ACC officers from detaining the pair.
ACC officers had reportedly arrived at the council offices to take the two into custody, but Isaack allegedly refused to comply.
Minutes later, a group of residents reportedly stormed the council building, disrupting proceedings and preventing the officers from removing the councillors. During the confrontation, both Isaack and Goeieman allegedly disappeared, effectively evading arrest.
Noa warned that those who interfered with enforcement efforts would also face criminal consequences. “For those who obstructed ACC officials... there is no compromise. They will be charged, arrested and brought before a court of law,” he said. “The councillors who resisted arrest will face additional criminal charges.”
“Namibia is a unitary state governed by the rule of law, not a banana republic. Chaos and lawlessness shall not be condoned. They are not above the law,” Noa said.
He also dismissed claims that the arrests were politically motivated. “ACC does not get involved in political matters,” he said. “We take action and bring suspects before the court as soon as decisions are received or when it is appropriate. We carry out our functions irrespective of the political status or title of the suspect.”
LPM alleges intimidation
Meanwhile, Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi told supporters that the party was facing state-driven pressure, alleging that Swapo had for decades employed violent and oppressive tactics. He made these claims during a press conference last Thursday.
He claimed that Swapo “demonstrated itself to be a brutal, criminal and murderous institution”, citing historic wartime killings in Lubango and Cassinga, which he said had never been acknowledged or apologised for.
Swartbooi linked recent state pressure to LPM’s growing electoral strength and its campaigns for Nama and OvaHerero genocide reparations. He also accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia of “systematically slowing and sabotaging” LPM processes and claimed large military deployments in southern regions amounted to psychological intimidation of voters.
“These forces reportedly conducted live drills in residential areas without municipal knowledge or approval,” he claimed, arguing the actions were designed to weaken electoral competition.
Nevertheless, he said the LPM “structures have remained steadfast, lawful and resilient.”
Noa told Namibian Sun last week ago that four councillors are accused of violating section 43(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act and related provisions, alleging they “corruptly abused their public office or position for gratification”.
The case relates to the alleged sidelining of a top-scoring candidate in favour of another preferred by councillors. “You might recall the case where the best-scoring candidate was replaced because the councillors did not want her appointed,” Noa said.
He confirmed that the prosecutor-general had directed the matter to proceed to the regional court. “This docket is among many decisions received from the PG in November,” he added.
The attempted arrests of council chairperson Joseph Isaack and councillor Jeremia Goeieman turned chaotic early last week when a group of residents reportedly intervened to prevent ACC officers from detaining the pair.
ACC officers had reportedly arrived at the council offices to take the two into custody, but Isaack allegedly refused to comply.
Minutes later, a group of residents reportedly stormed the council building, disrupting proceedings and preventing the officers from removing the councillors. During the confrontation, both Isaack and Goeieman allegedly disappeared, effectively evading arrest.
Noa warned that those who interfered with enforcement efforts would also face criminal consequences. “For those who obstructed ACC officials... there is no compromise. They will be charged, arrested and brought before a court of law,” he said. “The councillors who resisted arrest will face additional criminal charges.”
“Namibia is a unitary state governed by the rule of law, not a banana republic. Chaos and lawlessness shall not be condoned. They are not above the law,” Noa said.
He also dismissed claims that the arrests were politically motivated. “ACC does not get involved in political matters,” he said. “We take action and bring suspects before the court as soon as decisions are received or when it is appropriate. We carry out our functions irrespective of the political status or title of the suspect.”
LPM alleges intimidation
Meanwhile, Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi told supporters that the party was facing state-driven pressure, alleging that Swapo had for decades employed violent and oppressive tactics. He made these claims during a press conference last Thursday.
He claimed that Swapo “demonstrated itself to be a brutal, criminal and murderous institution”, citing historic wartime killings in Lubango and Cassinga, which he said had never been acknowledged or apologised for.
Swartbooi linked recent state pressure to LPM’s growing electoral strength and its campaigns for Nama and OvaHerero genocide reparations. He also accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia of “systematically slowing and sabotaging” LPM processes and claimed large military deployments in southern regions amounted to psychological intimidation of voters.
“These forces reportedly conducted live drills in residential areas without municipal knowledge or approval,” he claimed, arguing the actions were designed to weaken electoral competition.
Nevertheless, he said the LPM “structures have remained steadfast, lawful and resilient.”
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