The net widens in NBC probe

A SECOND NBC employee is being investigated by the State broadcaster for the alleged unprocedural awarding of a tender of just below N$1 million, The Namibian has learned. Benno Murangi, Manager for Transmitters, works in the same department as the suspended General Manager for Technical Services, Ruben Prinz.

Murangi is the only other person suspected of involvement in tender irregularities, NBC Acting Director General Ponhele ya France told The Namibian this week. Reportedly a tender of around N$925 000 was awarded without inviting other tenders, and split into smaller amounts to bypass the need for the amount to be approved by the NBC’s tender board.The company was apparently also falsely named as the sole provider of the services.Ya France could not confirm a date for Murangi’s disciplinary hearing.Earlier, he said it was an internal matter, and that no criminal charges were being considered at present.Murangi has not been suspended, Ya France said.Contacted by The Namibian, Murangi declined to comment.He referred all queries to the NBC.Reportedly a tender of around N$925 000 was awarded without inviting other tenders, and split into smaller amounts to bypass the need for the amount to be approved by the NBC’s tender board.The company was apparently also falsely named as the sole provider of the services.Ya France could not confirm a date for Murangi’s disciplinary hearing.Earlier, he said it was an internal matter, and that no criminal charges were being considered at present.Murangi has not been suspended, Ya France said.Contacted by The Namibian, Murangi declined to comment.He referred all queries to the NBC.