A police officer, warrant officer Maria Uugulu (38), has been arrested on charges of corruption and defeating or obstructing the course of justice after allegedly soliciting N$600 from two suspects in exchange for the withdrawal of a criminal case.
According to charge annexures filed in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, Uugulu is accused of contravening provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act.
The state alleges that during 2024 at Onethindi in the Ondangwa district, Uugulu, who was acting as an investigating officer, corruptly solicited or agreed to accept gratification from two people who were suspects in a criminal matter registered with the police at Onethindi in July 2024.
It is alleged that the suspects each paid N$300 as a reward for the matter to be withdrawn and for them not to be arrested.
It is further alleged that Uugulu instructed the suspects to pay money to the complainant in the matter so that the case could be withdrawn.
She is alternatively charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
The state alleges that she unlawfully received money from the suspects in order to prevent their arrest and interfere with the handling of the criminal case.
When she appeared before magistrate Nelao ya France in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Uugulu was represented by lawyer Maria Amupolo.
Her matter was postponed to 26 May for a date for a formal bail application to be determined.
Uugulu has been remanded in custody
