Bellatrix SME Finance has distanced itself from a service level agreement (SLA) currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), saying its role was limited to financing a client and not participating in any municipal procurement process.
In a statement issued on Friday, the financial services provider says it had noted media reports linking it to the agreement involving the Keetmanshoop Municipality and sought to clarify its involvement.
This comes after The Namibian reported on Friday that the ACC is investigating the Keetmanshoop Municipality following alleged irregularities surrounding a N$3.4-million SLA awarded to JJF Investments CC and Bellatrix SME Finance.
Bellatrix says it was never awarded a contract by the municipality and did not receive a purchase order from the local authority.
The company says it entered into a financing agreement with JJF Investments CC after JJF had already been awarded a purchase order by the municipality.
Bellatrix says it verified the validity of the purchase order and conducted its standard credit assessment before advancing funds.
The company says its role was strictly that of a financier, providing funding to micro, small and medium enterprises against approved purchase orders and invoices, and that it does not influence tender adjudication, contract awards or procurement decisions.
Bellatrix says it remains committed to transparency, regulatory compliance and cooperation with lawful requests for information from authorities, while maintaining client confidentiality.
