Martin Endjala
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chief communications officer, Josefina Nghituwamata, has announced that former police reservist Sakaria Kokule has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Kokule was convicted following his attempt to bribe an ACC official to remove ATM cards from evidence obtained by the ACC in connection with the Fishrot investigation.
According to Nghituwamata, Kokule was sentenced on 5 November after being found guilty by the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on 2 October.
Nghituwamata stated that Kokule was arrested in January 2020, and during the trial, the ACC provided evidence showing that a N$250 000 bribe was offered to one of its officials involved in the Fishrot investigation to remove ATM cards from the evidence.
“Kokule’s conviction and sentencing is a significant step in the fight against corruption and misconduct within the law enforcement officials.,” she said.
In numerous corruption-related cases, the court also found several people guilty and sentenced them.
On 31 July, Kelly Nghixulifwa, a former chief executive officer of the Roads Contractor Company (RCC), was convicted and sentenced to a fine of N$150 000 or 3 years imprisonment plus two years suspended for five years.
This is on the condition that he is not convicted of corrupt practices or fraud during the suspension period.
Theophilus Shitaleni, a former FAWENA employee, was convicted and sentenced to a fine of N$55 000 or two years imprisonment for three counts of fraud on 11 October.
Lameck Omushamane Amwaanyena, a former employee at the Ministry of Works and Transport in Omaruru, was convicted and subsequently sentenced to a fine of N$3000 or 10 months imprisonment on 15 August.
Hafeni Natangwe Nghinamwaami was also convicted and subsequently sentenced to a fine of N$30 000 or 1 year’s imprisonment, plus 6 months imprisonment suspended for a period of three years in July.
In July, Michael Haimbondi, an employee of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, was convicted and sentenced to a fine of N$20 000 or 18 months in prison for irregular payment to a private company.
Furthermore, Noa Tegelela Nanyemba was convicted and fined N$4 000.
Ping Zou, a businesswoman, was convicted and sentenced on 17 July, to a N$20 000 fine or 18 months imprisonment for corruptly giving gratification to a public official and given 14 days to leave Namibia.
According to reports, Zou owns Lucky Home Development and Trading CC in Klein Kuppe. The business is a furniture home shop.
On May 21, Elia Nghipundjwa received a sentence that included a fine of N$15 000, two years of imprisonment, and an additional two years of imprisonment, all suspended.
Shadi Ismail, a private doctor, was convicted and sentenced to a N$100 000 fine or two years imprisonment for trying to bribe an ACC official through a third person.
John Tuyoleni Ndandi was also convicted and sentenced to a fine of N$60 000 or 18 months imprisonment on 14 March, for conspiring with Dr. Shadi to bribe an ACC official.
Samson Halwoondi Shandjuuka, a businessman, was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison and another 12 years imprisonment or a N$106 000 fine for his involvement in the N$20 million Omusati pit latrine toilets.
James Kaviyu, an employee of Grootfontein Municipality, was convicted and sentenced to a fine of N$6000 or 12 months imprisonment.
“The Commission commends the Namibian courts for upholding laws in these cases, promoting accountability and deterring future corruption. The finalisation of corruption-related cases highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption crimes in both the public and private sectors,” she said.
The Commission is said to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who attempt to subvert the law face appropriate consequences and will be held individually accountable regardless of their ranks or position.
