Katima Mulilo – Three high-profile figures in the Zambezi region appeared in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on Friday after being arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on allegations of corruption involving a N$1.2 million tender for the Zambezi Waterfront Park.
The trio, chief regional officer of the Zambezi Regional Council Regina Ndopu-Lubinda, Linyanti Constituency councillor Iven Kabunga and teacher Solo Mutelo, face a combined 80 counts of corruption.
Ndopu-Lubinda tops the list with 59 charges, Kabunga faces 11 charges, while Mutelo has 10 charges against him.
State prosecutor Cedric Mundia argued for bail of N$100 000 each, stressing the seriousness of the matter and the substantial amount of public money allegedly misused.
In emotional pleas before Magistrate Davy Kambinda, the accused said the proposed bail was unaffordable, given their civil servant salaries and family responsibilities.
Ndopu-Lubinda told the court that she supports six children, three of whom are minors, one is a student and others still in school.
She added that she also cares for her two elderly parents.
Kabunga said the bail amount was “too much” for him as a councillor, citing that he is raising three children on his limited income.
Mutelo said he has three minor children, the eldest being 16 and the youngest only eight months old, along with dependents from his late sister’s family.
He said his teaching salary is his only income and that he cannot even afford legal representation.
Magistrate Kambinda reduced the bail to N$50 000 each, stressing that while the amounts requested by the State were justified, the court had to balance the seriousness of the allegations with the accused’s financial realities.
The magistrate outlined strict bail conditions and must not interfere with police investigations.
The other condition is that they must not commit similar offenses while on bail.
In addition, any change of residence must be reported to the investigating officer.
Moreover, any significant changes in their personal circumstances must be communicated immediately.
The case has been transferred to the Oshakati High Court for plea and trial.
It is set to resume on 15 October 2025.