Niël Terbalnché
The Director of Information and Communications Technology Services at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Tuyoleni Hamata, appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate Court on Friday on charges of corruption.
According to the spokesperson of the Anti-Corruptin Commission, Josefina Nghituwamata, Hamata was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for violating Section 43 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2003 (Act No. 8 of 2003).
In a statement released on Friday, Ngituwamata said the charges against Hamata stem from a fraudulent transaction in which the University of Namibia (UNAM) paid N$2.9 million for 3 466 4G internet dongles instead of the originally agreed price of N$1.2 million.
According to the charge sheet, Hamata requested the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) on 13 February 2023 to provide the devices at N$345 each.
The NSFAF agreed and the following day, set the total cost at N$1.2 million.
However, a company named Ultimate Projects Consulting Namibia intervened, paying the agreed amount to NSFAF and collecting 3 424 4G dongles.
On 27 February 2023, Hamata informed Inceptus Holding (Pty) Ltd, a company wholly owned by UNAM, that Ultimate Projects Consulting Namibia was the preferred supplier for the 4G devices.
Consequently, Inceptus Holding entered into a product supply agreement with Ultimate Projects Consulting Namibia, purchasing 4 000 of the 4G devices at N$630.28 each, nearly double the initial agreed-upon price.
According to Nghituwamata, Hamata has been granted bail set at N$40 000 and his case has been postponed to 1 November to allow for further investigation.
The Anti-Corruption Commission commended the institutions and individuals who reported the corrupt activities.
“Their vigilance and commitment to ethical business practices are crucial in maintaining integrity and transparency in Namibia,” Nghituwamata said.
She urged all institutions to develop effective zero-tolerance policies for corruption, communicate these policies clearly to employees, and develop a culture of honesty and ethical behaviour.
Nghituwamata also stressed the importance of individuals in positions of trust prioritising national interests over personal gain and urged them to avoid corrupt activities, report suspicious behaviour to law enforcement, and maintain integrity at all times.
