Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Lydia Elindi, the wife of former Enercon Namibia owner Malakia Elindi, was on Tuesday cross-examined in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court, where she distanced herself from a N$3.8 million payment made to Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding CC, a company in which she holds a 50% interest.
She was testifying during her bail application hearing, where state prosecutor Menencia Hinda confronted her with details linking her to the allegedly fraudulent transaction.
Hinda told the court that state investigators would testify that Lydia was informed during her arrest that she was a member and beneficial owner of Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding CC, and her husband, and that she had signatory powers over the company’s bank account.
According to Hinda, she was also informed that Onyeka Clearing had received proceeds of unlawful activities.
“She was told in the living room that she is a member and signatory of Onyeka Clearing,” Hinda told the court.
However, Lydia insisted that nothing was explained to her during the arrest.
“My husband was there. He is my witness. Nothing was said about Onyeka,” she testified.
She further denied authorising or signing off on any transactions relating to the N$3.8 million payment received from Enercon Namibia.
“Yes, I have signatory powers, but no one explained anything to me about the company or the money. I did not sign anything with regard to that amount or any other transaction. That is why I said earlier that I am happy the investigating officer will come to court to elaborate more on this,’ she said.
Hinda also argued that Lydia posed a flight risk and noted that she has a firearm. Lydia acknowledged this but stated that there was no indication of any threats or misuse of the weapon.
The state alleges that Lydia received a bribe of N$3.8 million between 19 and 21 July 2022. The money allegedly came from a deal between Enercon Namibia and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) concerning purchasing nine service stations.
During closing arguments, her lawyer, Sisa Namandje, told the court that Lydia was not aware of Enercon’s payment to Onyeka. He also argued that the state failed to prove that she personally benefited from any funds related to the alleged fraud.
Lydia reinforced that point during cross-examination.
“None of my personal accounts received any money from the alleged fraud case. I did not receive any amount.”
Lydia also confirmed that she worked for Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding between 2004 and 2006 in the payments division, but claimed not to have been involved in the core clearing and forwarding operations.
She owns a house in Ongwediva and a flat in an apartment complex, and she confirmed her 50% ownership in Onyeka.
She faces three counts linked to the N$53 million Enercon-Namcor transaction and is currently applying for bail alongside her husband.
The matter continues.
