A Zambezi Regional Council employee and two alleged accomplices in a fraud case remain in custody after appearing in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
They were arrested on charges involving N$4.2 million.
The three suspects, Gurion Siseho (52), Grodinah Liswaniso, and Jimmy Simataa, were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday in connection with a fraudulent drought-relief food supply scheme.
The ACC’s investigations have established that on 3 September 2024, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), through the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management, awarded a purchase order worth N$4 million to a private company.
The company was supposed to supply 20 138 bags of 20kg maize meal to the Zambezi Regional Council for the drought-relief programme.
Simataa, on 28 October 2024, allegedly conspired with Siseho and Liswaniso to falsely certify key documents, including a purchase order, receipt of the store issue and receipt voucher, and an invoice confirming that the 20 138 bags of maize meal had been received at a warehouse.
Following the submission of the documents, the OPM processed and paid the full amount of N$4 228 980 to the company on 11 November 2024.
The bags of maize have not been delivered to date.
Simataa allegedly further received a gratification payment of N$350 000 for certifying the false documents.
It is also claimed that the suspects fraudulently secured the contract by using documents from another private company and submitting forged contracts and agreements.
Their case was postponed until 19 May for formal bail applications.
State prosecutor Sylvious Malange said bail should be denied because it’s not in the interest of the public or the administration of justice.
He also said fraud is a serious offence and the suspects may interfere with investigations and witnesses.
Additionally, there is a high risk that they may flee.
The suspects appeared before magistrate Beatrice Sibalatani.
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