By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested the Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region, Theofelus Eiseb, for abusing his office through a self-enrichment scheme in which he allegedly irregularly claimed subsistence and travel allowances.
Eiseb was arrested at 12h00 at Otjiwarongo last Friday.
He apparently claimed housing allowance while he was not supposed to benefit from any housing scheme because he has a free house.
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission Director, Paulus Noa, the Governor lived rent-free in a Government house, which was built by the Regional Council while on the other hand receiving a housing allowance.
At the same time, he is alleged to have been receiving water and electricity allowances yet the council paid for his water and footed his power bills.
“This is what we call corruption. I have warned them before that the Anti-Corruption Commission is not going to tolerate any corrupt practices. We will bring all those convicted of corruption to book,” said Noa.
The Governor is also accused of claiming S&T while attending Regional Council meetings in Otjiwarongo – his constituency.
“This is self-enrichment. He is not supposed to claim any S&T. He is only allowed to claim provided that he is attending a meeting out of Otjiwarongo but on certain conditions. According to our investigations, he submitted his claims as he wished forgetting his boundaries, which is not right. I have run out of patience now because I have been warning and advising them for long,” he said.
Noa said he would make sure that the money earned illegally is paid back, irrespective of how long it took. He said he would ensure the Governor repays the ill-gotten money.
“The Anti-Corruption Commission will leave no stone unturned. We will make sure that we bring all culprits of corruption to the public’s attention. This is public money and they deserve to know what is happening to their money. I can assure you that no one is going to be left out,” he said.
“This is for the benefit of our economy. Our economy will never prosper if it is affected by corruption. We need to root out corruption in this country and we will, mark my words,” Noa said.
He said there are a lot of unemployed people on the streets hoping to secure jobs one day, while those in positions of authority deny them job opportunities by engaging in corruption.
“People put you in power because of the trust they have in you to represent them and not to enrich yourself. It is shameful for a leader to be convicted of corrupt practices,” said Noa.
Eiseb appeared before Otjiwarongo magistrate, Olivia Mutjavikua, last week.
He faces allegations of breaching the Anti-Corruption Act, Section 43 of Act No 8 of 2003. He was not asked to plead.
He was granted N$20ǟ