ACC seize ‘stolen’ weighbridge worth over N$2m at Walvis Bay

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has seized assets estimated to be worth over N$2 million as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corrupt practices by a staff member of the Roads Authority (RA) and a supplier.

ACC officials on Friday raided the Etango Petroleum Pty (Ltd) premises at Walvis Bay to seize the weighbridge, which was allegedly installed without proper RA authorisation.

This is contained in an ACC statement, issued on 2 May.

It is alleged that an invoice to the amount of N$2.3 million for the supply of a weighbridge to the Roads Authority was corruptly certified, thus indicating that the goods or services were received or
delivered while it was not the case.

Following the acquisition of the new weighbridge, the old weighbridge was refurbished by the same supplier for an amount of N$264 960 and reinstalled at Walvis Bay Weighbridge during September 2021.

Upon the delivery of the new weighbridge during May 2022, the old weighbridge was corruptly removed from the premises of the RA under the pretext that it was being transported to Windhoek for storage.

However, the weighbridge was instead diverted and installed at Etango Petroleum (Pty) Ltd, without such an asset being disposed of by the Roads Authority or permission being given.

The weighbridge is currently being leased by the said supplier to Etango Petroleum (Pty) Ltd.

Josefina Nghituwamata, the chief public relations officer of the ACC, stated that fraud, theft and money laundering charges are being pursued as alternative charges under relevant provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act.

“The ACC reiterates its commitment to rooting out corruption and calls on all public and private sector entities to uphold transparency and accountability in procurement and service delivery,” she said.

At this point, Nghituwamata no arrests have been made but investigations are ongoing and further updates will be made public at an appropriate time.

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