Windhoek – The number of people arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for suspected fraud at the Master of the High Court now stands at 12.
Alina Ligola Nuusiku Matheus and Ananias Oye-Etuna Iimene are accused 11 and 12, respectively. They appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Friday represented by Mbushandje Ntinda, from Sisa Namandje & Co.
The matter will continue on August 7.
Prosecutor Samantha Diergaardt informed the court the investigating officer would also testify on the next court date as to why bail was granted on a corruption charge.
Diergaardt recommended bail of N$1 500. Ntinda informed the court that the issue of bail would be addressed during the court appearance.The other accused are: Rosario Joao Martins, Salmi Ndagwedhapo Kauluma, Vincent Tuhafeni Shikukwete, Gideon Kapold Megameno Newaka, Johannes Mushelenga and Wilbard Iyambo, Wilhelmina Nangombe Shikona, Hilaria Nalitaandele Edward, Tjivahe Ngavipue and Queen Omagano Kamati.
The details are sketchy and the matter still has to go to the Prosecutor General for a decision, New Era has learned.
New Era further learned that the charges could change depending on the investigations.
Shikukwete, Newaka, Mushelenga and Iyambo – all clerks at the Master of the High Court – allegedly connived with the students to write them fraudulent guardianship letters in order for them to get money from the Master of the High Court, which they were legally not entitled to, so that the students could register at the Polytechnic of Namibia.
The accused are charged with contravening Section 43(1) of the ACC Act, Section 43 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2003 (Act No 8 of 2003), that is, corruptly using office or position for gratification.
Magistrate Justine Asino presided on Friday.
by Tunomukwathi Asino