By Eveline de Klerk
SWAKOPMUND – Corruption at local authorities, tender bribery, selling of jobs at mines and the misuse of government facilities and or vehicles are just some of the serious cases reported by whistle-blowers and investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the Erongo Region.
This is according to Walter Kurz, the Senior Investigating Officer for the ACC in the region. He was speaking to New Era during an awareness campaign held at Swakopmund to commemorate the International Day against Corruption on Tuesday.
Although he did not divulge more details, Coetzee said the ACC would in due course share the outcome of several cases with the public at large.
He added that despite many successes being reported by the ACC the overall perception of some Namibians is that the ACC only concentrates on arresting or investigating petty issues rather than serious cases.
He then explained that there is no difference in any form of corruption as corruption overall is detrimental due to its negative effect on the economic growth of a country.
“However, Namibians are saying that we only go after minor cases, but nobody is coming forward with big cases. Where are the big cases? People must come forward and report them, then we will investigate,” he explained.
He however said they are also experiencing an increase in cases currently reported compared to the number of complaints received two years ago.
“People have become aware of our duty and are more willing to report. Apart from that, the ACC has gained the trust of many unlike in the past when people were reluctant to report cases out of fear that they would be exposed or their lives could be at risk if they reported corruption to the ACC,” he said.
The International Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on December 9 since the passing of Resolution 58/4 on October 31, 2003 by the United Nations General Assembly. Namibia has since been observing this important day.
The aim of the worldwide commemoration is to raise awareness on corruption and to highlight the United Nations Convention against Corruption.