The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested former Khorixas Town Council CEO Nicodemus Gaeseb, along with five former councillors who served between 2010 and 2015.
The councillors are Tryphosa Molotho, Andreas Aibeb, Enoir Howoseb, Berlinda Xoagus, and Elray Esau.
This was confirmed by ACC interim spokesperson Marina Matundu in a statement on Friday.
Matundu said the arrests follow an investigation into alleged corrupt practices related to the unprocedural sale of a council house (erf 2210) for the benefit of the CEO.
“The property was originally earmarked for occupancy by incoming chief executive officers (CEOs) of the town council,” she said.
However, it was allegedly undervalued, renovated with council funds, and subsequently sold to the then CEO under the government’s alienation programme, a scheme intended exclusively for longstanding occupants of town council houses.
The house in question, she said, did not qualify under the programme because the CEO had not occupied it for the required minimum of 20 years.
The accused appeared before the Khorixas Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, and were each granted bail of N$5 000.
The matter has been postponed to next Tuesday, when the accused are expected to appear before the regional court at Otjiwarongo.
They are charged with contravening Section 43(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2003 (Act No. 8 of 2003), for corruptly using their office or position for gratification.
They also face charges under Section 35(3)(b) of the same act for the use of false documents to mislead a principal or agent.
“Corruption undermines good governance and service delivery, and the ACC remains resolute in ensuring that individuals involved in corrupt activities are thoroughly investigated and held accountable under the law,” Matundu said.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
