ACC arrests HR officer over job-for-cash scheme

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested a 40-year-old human resource practitioner from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture over allegations involving a N$10 000 bribery payment linked to a job-for-cash scheme.

Emiriha Haikela was arrested on 8 April on charges of bribery in contravention of sections 33 and 43(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.

He appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was remanded in custody.

According to court and ACC documents, Haikela, stationed at the Dr Frans Indongo Building in the Khomas Regional Office, is accused of demanding a bribe in exchange for securing employment for another person in the position of chief hostel matron.

He is alleged to have demanded N$11 000 for the appointment and also provided the candidate with interview questions and other preparation materials to ensure correct answers during the interview process.

“Investigations by ACC revealed that the person was ultimately appointed in the position and the person made payments to the accused person in the amount of N$10 000, which was paid in different portions,” the documents state.

The first payment of N$4 000 was allegedly made before the interviews, while the remaining amount was paid in instalments after the appointment as chief matron.

Although the initial demand was N$11 000, ACC documents state that only N$10 000 was paid before the case was reported to the ACC. The matter was postponed to 9 June.

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