Boois off the hook on graft charges

KEETMANSHOOP Regional Court Magistrate Sunsley Zisengwe yesterday acquitted former Karas governor Dawid Boois (photo), who is now the regional councillor for the Berseba constituency, on corruption charges.

It was alleged that he had used his position as governor for gratification by allegedly pocketing a monthly subsidy of N$7 500 over a 24-month period while staying in a government house. Boois had pleaded not guilty to 24 counts of corruption but admitted that he received the housing subsidy while staying in a Government house. Delivering his verdict, Zisengwe said the State had failed to prove that Boois had corruptly used his office or position for gratification.’It was argued on behalf of the State that the accused, by virtue of the seniority of his position, essentially intimidated his subordinates who felt helpless to act decisively against his intransigence, however, the State did not go as far as demonstrating how such intimidation was supposedly brought to bear on the council affairs,’ said Zisengwe.Zisengwe added that the State could only demonstrate that Boois did not ‘cooperate’ in stopping the housing subsidy payment.’They fell short of suggesting that the accused in any way threatened to wield his might as the sitting governor to quell dissent.’Zisengwe said although Boois may have acted in an ‘arrogant and obstinate’ manner towards the council to regularise his stay in the government house in line with a Cabinet decision prohibiting housing allowance benefits for regional councillors occupying Government houses, he did not act corruptly. He said from the evidence it seemed Boois was under the impression that he was entitled to both the free house and the housing allowance. State prosecutor Pieter Smit said the State would consider appealing against the verdict after studying it. Commenting on his acquittal, Boois said: ‘Justice has been done. I’ve never used my office or position for own gratification. The court of law has proven that.’ luqman@namibian.com.na