WINDHOEK – A Ministry of Health and Social Services employee who appeared in court on charges relating to a driving licence scam was granted bail of N$4 000 on Friday.
Thirty-year-old Muietufa Andreas Shikemeni appeared in court after he was nabbed by members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for allegedly issuing false driving licences to the unsuspecting public.
Shikemeni appeared in court for contravening section 46 of the ACC Act, which is conspiracy to commit an offence and facilitating the issuance of a driving licence, as well as another count of impersonating an authorised officer.
He was not asked to plead and remanded in custody.
The accused then filed a formal bail application. He was granted bail of N$4000 on condition that he does not interfere with witnesses at NaTIS office in Windhoek. He also has to hand in his passport to the ACC.
Last week prosecutor Henry Muhongo requested the matter be remanded to May 7 for further investigation.
Kadhila Amoomo, Shikemeni’s defence lawyer informed the court that he had a problem with the fact that the investigation was not yet concluded but the accused was arrested by the ACC.
Prosecutor Muhongo replied that there was no provision in the ACC Act that prevented the ACC from effecting an arrest when a crime was committed. He further opposed bail on the grounds that Shikemeni may interfere with witnesses.
“Members of the public were issued with driving licences, people got driving licences and there are indications that this is a syndicate. The accused is employed at the Ministry of Health and Social Services and one interference was already reported,” the prosecutor said.
“The amount involved is N$36 000 and investigations are incomplete,” he added.
The accused then filed a formal bail application.
Magistrate Ingrid Unengu presided. Mbushandje Ntinda represented the accused.
By Tunomukwathi Asino