Education ministry employees, businessman accused of N$3m corruption scheme

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) recently made arrests in connection with a series of corrupt activities which have been ongoing since 2018.

The ACC yesterday released a statement, saying two of the individuals arrested are Cornelius Willemse (53), a stock control officer, and Veronica Goagoses (54), a control administrative officer both employed by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC).

In addition to the ministry employees, businessman Desmond Kays is also suspected of being involved in the illicit activities, and has also been arrested.“SSIT Trading Enterprises CC was awarded two tenders to supply and deliver photocopier machines at the National Institute for Educational Development (Nied) in an amount of N$451 080 in March 2018, and another to the MoEAC head office at an amount of N$1 145 412 in May 2018,” the statement reads.

The statement further alleges that Goagoses approved and processed a one-time payment for both tenders, amounting to N$451 080 and N$1 145 412, respectively.

This approval was given after Willemse allegedly certified the purchase orders on 1 March and 22 May 2018, stating that the photocopier machines had been received by the ministry.

“Despite the fact that not a single photocopier machine had been delivered by then. The two violated the terms of the two contracts, which mandated that the rental of the photocopying machine be paid in 36 (36 months) equal monthly instalments of N$51 655,87 and

N$12 099,68, respectively, for the duration of the contracts,” the statement reads. The statement says it was found that even after collecting the fraudulent once-off payments, Kays continued to bill the ministry for a monthly rental payment on both tenders.

Moreover, it was alleged that Goagoses corruptly solicited or accepted gratification from Kays between 1 March and 30 May, 2018.

“Namely, by asking for numerous favours in cash and fuel for her benefit, or that of another person as an inducement or reward for providing assistance or using influence, or having previously provided assistance or used influence in payment of the price, consideration, or other money,” the statement says. Willemse, Goagoses and Kays have been charged with contravening sections of the Anti-Corruption Act.

The trio appeared in the Katutura Regional Court last week Thursday.

Goagoses and Kays were granted bail in the amount of N$50 000 each, and Willemse was granted bail of N$25 000, the statement says.

The case has been transferred to Windhoek Regional Court, and has been postponed to 30 June.