Windhoek
Two suspects appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, bringing to 10 the number of people arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for fraud at the Master of the High Court.
Rosario Joao Martins and Salmi Ndagwedhapo Kauluma appeared before Magistrate Ingrid Unengu.
Four Master of the High Court clerks and four Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) students appeared for fraud on Monday in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor Tatelo Lusepani requested that the two be added to the matter of the eight who appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing a charge of fraud. The eight are Vincent Tuhafeni Shikukwete, Gideon Kapold Megameno Newaka, Johannes Mushelenga and Wilbard Iyambo, all clerks.
The PoN students have been identified as Wilhelmina Nangombe Shikona, Hilaria Nalitaandele Edward, Tjivahe Ngavipue and Queen Omagano Kamati.
Their right to legal representation was explained to them. Both Martins and Kauluma indicated that they would get their own attorneys. And they further indicated that they intend to plead not guilty.
Lusepani requested that Martins be remanded in custody, as she is a foreigner with no permanent address in Namibia. Kauluma was granted bail.
The details are sketchy and the matter still has to go to the Prosecutor General for a decision.
New Era further learned that the charges could change depending on the investigations.
The clerks allegedly connived with the students to write them fraudulent guardianship letters in order for them to register at the Polytechnic of Namibia, while they were not entitled to any benefits.
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.
The matter will continue on August 7.