Martin Endjala
National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has discovered an incident where fuel worth more than N$1 million was stolen from the National Oil Storage Facility at Walvis Bay.
The discrepancy was discovered with the loading of 39,993 litres of 50 ppm diesel in December 2023 and 39,891 litres of the same product in January 2024.
Despite loading documents suggesting that the two loads were destined for a customer’s site, there is no evidence of the product having arrived or received by the bulk fuel customer.
As a result, the state-owned entity conducted an extensive internal investigation into the theft.
Last week NAMCOR proceeded with opening a case of theft with the Walvis Bay Police and is collaborating closely with the regional law enforcement authorities to resolve this matter.
The company said that an interesting development with a bearing on the matter is the timing of the resignation of the truck driver who transported the two loads.
The driver worked for one of the companies contracted by NAMCOR to transport fuel on its behalf and resigned last week Thursday, 8 February 2024.
The company’s interim Managing Director Ebson Uanguta, said the company is committed to leaving no stone unturned in addressing this unbecoming behaviour.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that the culprits responsible for this bear the full consequences of their actions,” stressed Uanguta.
He added that there is a legal and moral obligation imposed upon NAMCOR to operate in accordance with the highest standards commensurate with a national oil company.
He assured clients, stakeholders, and the general public of the company’s unwavering commitment to serving them to the best of its abilities.
NAMCOR reiterates its commitment to transparency and accountability. While the corporation will not disclose commercially sensitive information or any information that may impede ongoing investigations, it will provide stakeholders with updates at appropriate times.
Uanguta said that NAMCOR is steadfast in its pursuit of justice and the protection of its assets and maintains its focus on delivering reliable as well as securing energy solutions to the nation.
