Ester MbatheraÂ
The Namibia Film Commission (NFC) has registered a case of theft with the Namibian Police after executive producer Sonnyboy Amutenya failed to return equipment he borrowed from the commission.
The NFC has stated that it cannot provide details about the type of equipment or its value at this time.
NFC executive secretary Florence Haifene confirmed that a case had been opened after repeated attempts to contact Amutenya proved unsuccessful.
“He borrowed the equipment but did not return it on time. We tried to contact him and have not received any response. As per procedure, we have to open a police case to trace that person or help us get the equipment back,” Haifene said.
She added that the commission also attempted to reach out to individuals who know Amutenya, but no information was obtained.
“We also tried calling people we know that he knew, but they could not give us any information. So, as a last resort, we had to go to the police to make a case. It is also our responsibility as an institution, since this equipment is bought with taxpayers’ money. We have to be held accountable,” Haifene said.
Efforts to reach Amutenya for comment remained unsuccessful by the time of going to print.
The NFC, a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, is responsible for regulating and supporting the film industry in Namibia. It was established by Act No. 6 of 2000.
This incident follows financial concerns raised in the auditor general’s report into the Film and Video Development Fund, which flagged issues such as a lack of documentation and traceability regarding the sale of permits and certificates.
An audit conducted last year revealed that receipts amounting to N$157 703 from permit and certificate sales for the 2019 and 2020 financial years could not be traced to the general ledger.
Whether these sales were completed, could not be verified.
The audit also found that supporting documentation for Property, Plant, and Equipment (PPE) valued at N$50 733 was unavailable.
A significant misstatement of expenditure and revenue was also flagged, caused by erroneous interbank transfers.
A transfer of N$260 000 was incorrectly debited to general expenses and credited to grant income, misrepresenting financial figures.
Additionally, the audit highlighted fruitless expenditure involving external consultants hired by the NFC.
