By Chrispin Inambao
WINDHOEK
Secretary to the National Assembly Simon Nama Goabab and chief accountant Abraham John George, arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, yesterday briefly appeared in court A.
The position of the Secretary to the National Assembly is on par with that of a permanent secretary.
Agents from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) last Friday arrested the accounting officer of the National Assembly and his chief accountant on allegations he diverted in excess of N$18 000 from public coffers to hire a vehicle from Budget Car Hire “for private use”.
The alleged misappropriation is said to have taken place despite the fact the high-profile suspect receives a handsome car allowance of around N$84 000 per annum or N$7 000 each month.
Shortly before he appeared in court, Goabab who was impeccably attired in a suit, appeared restless outside the courtroom.
At yesterday’s low-key appearance the duo were forbidden from making any contact with State witnesses. They will also not be allowed to enter their offices at the august House.
The chief accountant got consolation from the fact that he was granted bail of N$3 000, while his superior was released from custody on Saturday after he lodged an urgent bail application. He forked out N$5 000.
The bail conditions will be in force until such time ACC agents are content with ongoing investigations into the matter.
Both suspects yesterday appeared before Windhoek Magistrate Helvi Kauna Shilemba.
ACC agents submitted before court a set of stringent bail conditions.
The two men’s case was remanded until September 26 this year as investigations are still in the initial stages.
Local lawyers represented the two, while the ACC has attached a top-notch investigator to the case that involves its biggest catch since the graft- busting agency came into existence early last year.
– (Additional Reporting Nampa’s Court Reporter)