Cedric Willemse, the man accused of being the mastermind behind the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) corruption saga, has parted ways with his lawyer.
While his now former defence lawyer, Milton Engelbrecht, yesterday told The Namibian the split was due to differences over legal advice, sources close to the matter allege Willemse has been struggling to pay his legal bills.
Willemse has allegedly told his co-accused in the holding cells that he has run out of money.
Engelbrecht confirmed that he is no longer representing Willemse but declined to comment on the alleged financial problems.
“I am not aware of such allegations but we parted ways due to differences on legal advice in which we were not in agreement with,” he said.
Willemse amassed online fame and notoriety showing off his expensive cocktails and vehicles.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigative officer Oberty Inambao testified in court last week that Willemse’s lavish and questionable spending habits were what initially raised suspicions.
Inambao testified that in February 2024, the ACC received a tip-off from within the Namcor audit board that the former Namcor supply chain and logistic executive’s spending habits were questionable.
Willemse’s spending habits, which included luxury vehicles like a Jeep Gladiator valued at about N$1.4 million, a Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 SUV valued at more than N$2 million, and expensive cocktails, are now believed to be the reason for the probe into his alleged self-enrichment and the misappropriation of over N$480 million in state funds.
Inambao told magistrate Linus Samunzala that the ACC followed the money trail.
Willemse, along with several others, is facing charges linked to alleged corruption at Namcor.
Prosecutors claim he played a central role in orchestrating fraudulent transactions that cost the parastatal millions of dollars.
The high-profile Namcor case has attracted widespread public attention, with court proceedings expected to continue later this year.
The Namcor corruption case centres on allegations that millions of dollars were siphoned from the state-owned oil company through inflated fuel contracts, unpaid supplies and kickback schemes.
Prosecutors claim the network involved both senior Namcor officials and private businesspeople.
Alongside Willemse, other accused include former Namcor managing director Imms Mulunga, ex-chief financial officer Jennifer Hamukwaya, former territory manager Olivia Dunaiski and businessman Peter Elindi.
Several family members of the Elindi business clan, including Malakia, Lydia and Austin Elindi, are also facing charges.
The accused are linked to companies such as Enercon Namibia (Pty) Ltd, Erongo Petroleum CC and several other entities allegedly used to channel illicit funds and secure irregular fuel supply deals.
The Namibian understands that Willemse is now represented by Boris Isaacks and has also informed the court of his intention to submit a formal bail application.
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