Staff Writer
Two public officials arrested in separate corruption cases in the Ohangwena region have been granted bail after appearing in the Eenhana Magistrate’s Court this week.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested Chris Nghiilundilua (52) and Hendrina Ponhofi Diadaleni Kambudu (46) earlier this month. They were released on bail on 20 January.
ACC interim spokesperson Marina Matundu said Nghiilundilua was granted bail of N$20 000, while Kambudu was granted bail of N$10 000.
Nghiilundilua, a former senior administrative officer at the Ohangwena Regional Council’s directorate of education, arts, and culture, was arrested in Eenhana on 19 January.
Matundu said he previously served as head of the Hostel Administration and Feeding Programme and handled procurement of services.
“During 2018 he awarded a tender for the distribution of maize blend bags to Elange Trading CC, which is owned by his nephew,” she said.
Matundu said Nghiilundilua also had signatory powers over the company’s bank account and managed its finances.
“He therefore abused his office and position and directly benefited himself when he bought bricks worth N$30 000 with funds from the same directorate that employed him,” she said.
She said the bricks were used to build rental flats at Engela in the Omafo Proper Extension of Helao Nafidi.
Nghiilundilua faces four charges, including contraventions of the Procurement Act, the Anti-Corruption Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Meanwhile, the ACC arrested Kambudu, a community liaison officer at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare in Eenhana.
Matundu said Kambudu used the name of her cousin, Emilia Hainane, to secure funding for a hammer mill through the Income Generating Activities programme in 2007 or 2008.
“The hammer mill was valued at N$31 500 and was later used to establish a milling business at Onangolo Village in the Epembe Constituency for her own benefit,” she said.
Matundu said the case came to light in 2018 when Hainane applied for funding under the same programme and was informed that a hammer mill had already been issued in her name.
Kambudu faces one charge of corruptly using office or position for gratification under the Anti-Corruption Act.
Matundu said both cases were postponed to 9 March for legal representation and the setting of trial dates.
Matundu said corruption undermines good governance and service delivery.
