Iyambo solicited personal donation

ERONGO Police’s Deputy Commissioner Andrew Iyambo testified in the Swakopmund Regional Court yesterday that his request for a personal donation from a Walvis Bay company in 2006 was ‘clear and in plain English’.

Iyambo is facing a fraud charge for allegedly using a N$10 000 donation to the Erongo Police Sports Club to buy tyres for his car.According to the charge sheet, Iyambo spent N$6 100 on new tyres and N$3 800 for food and accommodation during a national Police sport event in Otjiwarongo in August 2006.The Managing Director of the Namsov fishing company, Jan Arnold, yesterday told Magistrate Gaynor Poulton that Iyambo first requested a sponsorship for his car during a meeting.He said Iyambo was informed that Namsov could not give him a personal donation and an official written request was required.He said a letter was then received from Iyambo in which he said he needed ‘vital parts for his vehicle’ to allow the sport club to participate in the Otjiwarongo event.Soon afterwards, Namsov deposited N$10 000 into the club’s account.During his turn in the witness stand, Iyambo yesterday testified that he did first speak to Arnold about the personal request for his vehicle’s change of tyres, and that Arnold did say that he would not be able to give a personal donation and that a letter was needed.Iyambo said he drafted and sent the letter to Namsov with the help of a former Police officer, Johannes Hamman.Iyambo said used an official letterhead, made the request in view of the sport event and signed the letter in his official capacity as Deputy Commissioner of the Erongo Police and Chairperson of the Erongo Police Sports Club.In summary, the letter stated that due to financial constraints, the sport club could not assist its members with transport, and that other expenses such as food and accommodation were the responsibility of the club during such sports meetings. He said that his car required ‘vital parts’ for the journey.Iyambo admitted that he used the N$10 000 donation from Namsov for new tyres, food and accommodation during the sport event.’I did not misrepresent myself. They knew my request. It was in plain English, and it was clear,’ Iyambo testified.The case continues today.