Allexer Namundjembo and Renthia Kaimbi
Suspended Walvis Bay rural councillor Florian Donatus was arrested on Monday morning in Swakopmund and formally charged with fraud, alternatively theft and money laundering.
The police confirmed and noted that Donatus is expected to appear in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court today.
His arrest follows weeks of controversy surrounding his suspension from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC).
He was suspended on 5 September over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct. The claims include misuse of the Erongo Regional Council’s credit facility to procure goods valued at more than N$116 000 and authorising a N$10 000 payment to the Welwitschia Health Training Centre for a relative, despite the council’s study grant limit of N$5 000.
In a statement on Monday, IPC confirmed the arrest and said it is monitoring the case.
“The IPC will closely monitor the situation to ensure that Donatus’ constitutional rights are fully protected throughout the judicial proceedings. We call upon the relevant authorities to ensure that due process is meticulously followed and without prejudice,” said IPC leader in Parliament and spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge.
Donatus was elected the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council in March 2025 after a vote of no confidence in his predecessor and has denied wrongdoing.
Despite this, and a court order reinstating Swapo’s Benita Imbamba as council chairperson, sources said Donatus continued to act as if in office, using the council vehicle and participating in communications.
His lawyer, Kadhila Amoomo, previously dismissed reports of an imminent arrest as “false, misleading and damaging”.
Amoomo had argued that his client is not a flight risk and has cooperated with investigators.
Attorney General Festus Mbandeka recently clarified that Donatus may continue his duties as councillor despite the IPC suspension, saying party restraints do not override statutory obligations under the Regional Council Act of 1992.
Police arrested Donatus at a roadblock near Swakopmund after tracking his movements using government-funded BlueFuel facilities.
He faces charges linked to the alleged misuse of the council’s credit facility to procure goods from Metro Walvis Bay without approval.
The Windhoek Observer reported last week that a warrant for his arrest had been issued.
Amoomo sent a letter on 18 September 2025 to the office of the inspector general, calling the reports “false, misleading, and damaging,” and demanded an investigation into leaked police information.
The inspector general’s office later confirmed it had not received the letter.
Police senior inspector Hilma Shomunula also confirmed Donatus’ arrest.
Chief regional officer of Erongo, Mupenzeni Ntelamo, who lodged the initial complaint, said the council will issue a formal statement later.
“Let me not comment now; we will issue our statement at a later stage,” Ntelamo said.
