RUNDU - Johannes Haufiku, an official from the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism was granted bail of N$3 000 when he appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court following his arrest on Thursday evening when he allegedly corruptly used a state vehicle.
Haufiku was arrested at Rundu after he was found using a state vehicle after hours for his personal use. He allegedly loaded about 39, 50kg bags of animal feed in a Toyota Land Cruiser with GRN registration from a private dwelling in Rundu’s Sauyema location.
“It’s alleged that the suspect went to Sauyemwa location to buy 50 bags of animal feed, whereupon he unlawfully loaded 39 of them into a GRN vehicle to take to his house at the Tuhingireni informal settlement with intent to transport them to his farm at a later stage. However, he was intercepted by an undercover police officer before he could reach his home,” said the police in a report seen by New Era.
All the bags found in the vehicle were seized by the Namibian Police to be used as evidence in the case against Haufiku, which was remanded until 25 April. The accused appeared before Rundu magistrate Sonia Samupofu, while public prosecutor Variety Matamata represented the State in the matter.
Acting police regional commander Eino Nambahu warned government officials that they will be apprehended if they use state vehicles corruptly.
He said government vehicles are issued with a monthly trip authority which describes the role of the vehicle, whether administrative or operational, and indicates who the assigned driver is.
“All trips are controlled and authorised by a supervisor. However, some of the drivers are taking chances, especially after working hours, to carry out and conduct their private business, a situation that is totally unbecoming. Drivers of official vehicles should be warned to cease from this practice, and that the supervisors responsible must ensure proper control over these fleets.
No official vehicle will be expected to be spotted parked at bars or being driven after hours, unless having an exemption to drive after hours because of the criticalness of
duties performed,’’ he added.
“Our undercover operatives are on the ground to observe these kinds of practices, and whoever is observed doing that will be brought to order through the courts of law,’’ Nambahu emphasised.