Windhoek
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in its attempt to get to the facts regarding suspected corruption in the handling of tenders and procurement at the Namibia Airports Company Company (NAC) has reportedly confiscated cellular phones and computers of a number of senior managers at the parastatal as part of a wide-ranging probe into the affairs of the company.
The anti-graft watchdog is also studying sets of files confiscated from the company, the ACC confirmed yesterday. Chief investigator of the ACC Nelius Bekker told New Era that no suspects have been arrested yet in the ongoing investigation of suspected dubious dealings at the NAC.
He further confirmed that the corruption watchdog is specifically investigating the procurement of closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) for the company, as well as desks for the main terminal at the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Contracts for the upgrading of the Ondangwa airport runway are also under the ACC’s microscope, the commission said. Bekker further noted that the ACC is investigating the appointment of an international consultant and various other contracts the NAC signed. Maintenance agreements, as well as contracts for various upgrading exercises, are also under investigation, the veteran investigator said.
According to him, it may be necessary to extend the scope of their investigation beyond the borders of Namibia, but noted that instances of suspected corruption were detected inside the country, involving the NAC. In fact, Bekker said, the investigation was not intricate and complicated at all, but rather straightforward.
He said the ACC is currently analysing the documents and computers seized at the NAC, as well as cellphones and personal laptops of senior managers. He further informed this newspaper that statements have already been taken from several employees of the parastatal, as well as potential witnesses.
A recent report by a weekly tabloid said the ACC investigation was sparked by a N$156 million contract allegedly given to IBB Military Equipment and Accessories Supplies without following set tender procedures. A lawyer representing NAC chief executive officer Tamer El-Kallawi meanwhile dismissed rumours that he (El-Kallawi) was taken in for questioning by the police yesterday.