Two government officials arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on various charges were granted bail of N$50 000 in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Deputy director for administration Abraham Shikoyeni (48) and chief accountant Nimrod Lichela (47) are co-accused of Zambezi’s chief regional officer Regina Ndopu-Lubinda, regional director for planning and rural development Beaven Walubita, deputy director for planning and rural development Cletius Mubita and chief development planner Daniel Mbala in a corruption probe involving N$4,6 million.
Ndopu-Lubinda, Walubita, Mubita and Mbala appeared in court on Monday and were granted bail of N$50 000.
They are all charged with two counts of corruptly using their office for gratification, conspiracy to commit offences, while Walubita and Shikoyeni are facing an additional charge of corruptly giving a false document to an agent.
Court documents seen by The Namibian showed that between 16 September 2016 and 28 October 2018, Ndopu-Lubinda allegedly made a misrepresentation that she was travelling with her private car to Windhoek and also flew with Air Namibia to the same destination while she knew she was not supposed to use her car if she was to fly as well.
She then claimed advanced daily subsistence allowance from the Zambezi Regional Council to make a payment of N$35 159.00 for her benefit.
Meanwhile, on 14 December 2020, the accused persons allegedly corruptly awarded a tender valued at approximately N$4,7 million to Denchi Consulting Engineers without following the correct procedures in terms of the Procurement Act.
Additionally, the accused persons allegedly fabricated procurement committee meeting minutes and handed them in to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development for the payment to be made to Denchi Consulting Engineers.
Public prosecutor Bronah Mukoya told the court that all the investigations are completed in the matter and they will proceed with trial once the accused persons appoint legal representation.
Shikoyeni and Lichela’s cases were postponed to 7 December to allow them to get legal representation.
They all opted to get private lawyers, except for Lichela, who will apply for a legal aid lawyer.
They appeared before magistrate Beatrice Sibalatani.
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