Niël Terblanché
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has acknowledged receipt of a public petition alleging maladministration and corrupt activities within several Namibian municipalities, particularly concerning the appointment of RedForce Debt Management as an external debt collector.
The petitioners, who approached the head offices of the ACC on Monday, called for the appointment of special investigators to probe local authority matters, an inquiry into complaints lodged against the City of Windhoek, Okahandja, and Gobabis municipalities, and clarity on evidence protection measures.
The petitioners demanded a comprehensive response from the ACC by 28 February 2025.
While receiving the petition, the ACC’s deputy director-general, Advocate Erna van der Merwe assured the petitioners that their concerns were being taken seriously.
“We will look at the content of the petition, and we will respond in writing,” she stated.
Van der Merwe told the petitioners that special investigators are appointed only when specific expertise is required, reiterating the ACC’s commitment to conducting thorough investigations and holding accountable those found in violation of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003.
This development comes amid growing public scrutiny of RedForce Debt Management’s operations across various municipalities.
Residents in towns such as Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay, and Grootfontein have expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s debt collection methods, alleging aggressive tactics and a lack of transparency in its appointment by local councils.
In Katima Mulilo, for instance, residents protested against RedForce, claiming they were not consulted about its operations and were surprised by sudden water disconnections due to outstanding municipal bills.
RedForce has in the past consistently refuted these allegations.
Chief Executive Julius Nyamazana is on record where he defended the company’s practices.
“Debt-collection agents have always had a bad reputation, even in the Bible. Simply because no one wants to be reminded of their debts. However, as a company, we pride ourselves on ethical and effective methods of collection and seek only to recover the monies due to our clients, holistically and professionally, thereby maintaining and protecting the relationships that they have with their residents,” he said at one instance.
At the time, he said that RedForce employs standard practices, albeit with advanced and persistent methods tailored to each municipality’s needs.
The ACC has previously dispatched investigative teams across various regions to examine allegations of corruption, including issues related to municipal management and procurement processes.
ACC spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata confirmed these efforts.
“The ACC is committed to handling all complaints and ensuring thorough investigations to hold those found in contravention of the Anti-Corruption Act accountable,” she said.
