WINDHOEK – A Ministry of Health and Social Services employee appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges related to an alleged drivers licence scam.
Muietufa Andreas Shikemeni (30) appeared in court after he was nabbed by members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for allegedly issuing false driving licences to unsuspecting members of the public. Shikemeni appeared before Magistrate Ruth Herunga 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.
Prosecutor Henry Muhongo requested that 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 has not been concluded and yet the accused was arrested by members of the ACC. Muhongo replied that there is no provision in the ACC Act that prevents it from effecting an arrest when a crime is committed. He further opposed bail on the grounds that Shikemeni may interfere with witnesses.
“Members of the public were issued with drivers licences, yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday), 12 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 is expected to apply for bail on Friday.
By Tunomukwathi Asino