By Kuvee Kangueehi
Windhoek
The Deputy Director of Wildlife Management in the Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management, Sackey Namugongo, who was suspended last year and arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has received a letter from his employer instructing him to resume work. He is expected to start work today.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Maria Kapere, confirmed to New Era yesterday that indeed Namugongo received the letter and would resume work with the ministry.
Kapere however was quick to add that the disciplinary process against Namugongo is still ongoing and the matter has not yet been concluded. She noted that the ministry decided to let him resume work because, according to the Public Service Act, an employee who is on full pay suspension can only be on suspension for a specific period of time. She added that Namugongo has also been moved to the office of the permanent secretary and is no longer in the department of gambling licences, which landed him in hot water.
Last month the ACC was reported as saying that they are close to finalizing investigations into the case of Namugongo. The latter was arrested for allegedly selling fake gambling licences.
Namugongo appears to be the most senior person ever arrested by ACC agents. Last September, and following a tip-off, ACC agents swiftly pounced on Namugongo at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The agents seized the senior civil servant and charged him with fraud and forgery. At the time, Namugongo was coming from Johannesburg where he was on governmental business.
The suspect allegedly sold fake gambling licences to people for amounts ranging from N$25 000 to N$40 000.
Namugongo appeared before Magistrate Kauna Shilemba on several charges of corruption, namely, fraud, forgery and uttering. The suspended deputy director of Wildlife Management in the Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management held that position until July last year, but was later seconded from this position to work with the issuance of gambling licences – until his arrest.