A corruption scheme within the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) resulted in a financial loss of approximately N$179 508.91.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) revealed this after it arrested Michael Nehemia and Fransiskus Ndatoolewe Sheehama, both members of the NDF who are currently on suspension. The arrests relate to alleged corrupt activities that took place between November 2019 and February 2020.
According to the ACC’s interim spokesperson Marina Matundu on Friday, the scheme involved fraudulent payments to a civilian company, Lifeline Body Workshop and Car Sales, for vehicle repairs and services that were never carried out. The ACC also alleges that inflated quotations were used to generate personal financial gain.
Nehemia has already appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court and was granted bail of N$10 000. Sheehama’s court appearance is still pending.
Matundu said both suspects have been charged under the Anti-Corruption Act for corruption, specifically for using their positions for gratification. She said fraud has been listed as an alternative charge. Matundu also stated that three other suspects linked to the matter are yet to be apprehended.
In a separate matter, the ACC is yet to arrest one suspect in connection to a tax corruption case.
This comes as the ACC arrested Richard Oaseb, a tax officer at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in Windhoek, over the alleged unlawful issuing of a tax good standing certificate.
“One suspect in connection with this matter has not yet been apprehended. Investigations are ongoing,” Matundu said.
Oaseb was arrested on 16 February following an investigation into alleged corrupt practices linked to the issuing of a Tax Good Standing Certificate to Zong Mei Engineering (Pty) Ltd.
According to the ACC, the certificate was issued despite the company having outstanding tax returns and owing money to the Receiver of Revenue. It is alleged that on or about 9 May 2023, at NamRA’s offices in Windhoek, a request was made to override the system and approve the certificate. The request was approved by Oaseb’s immediate supervisor on the same day, which led to the certificate being issued.
The matter came to light during a due diligence exercise conducted by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia before a contract was awarded to the company.
Oaseb has been charged with contravening Sections 43(1), (2) and (3) as well as Section 46 of the Anti-Corruption Act, Act 8 of 2003.
He appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on 17 February and was granted bail of N$8 000. The case was postponed to 10 April 2026 to allow him to secure legal representation.
