Justicia Shipena
Businessman Peter Elindi’s legal team has threatened to approach the High Court if the state does not withdraw a charge related to alleged proceeds of unlawful activity by today.
Peter is one of the accused in the ongoing N$480 million Namcor corruption case.
While testifying during his bail application at the Windhoek Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Peter told the court that the charge is based on mistaken identity.
The state alleges that on 19 July 2020, near Windhoek, Peter knew or ought to have known that N$1.5 million paid into a Bank Windhoek account from Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding CC formed part of the proceeds of crime.
Peter said the account does not belong to him and is registered under his brother, Malakia Elindi.
“This is definitely a case of mistaken identity. It doesn’t belong to me,” he said.
When asked if he knew why he was charged in connection with his brother’s account, Elindi replied, “I don’t know. It’s just a lot of confusion.”
Namandje told the court he had informed state prosecutor Basson Lilongwe that the defence confirmed the account details with the bank.
He said the state was welcome to verify the information and even speak to the accused’s brother.
“We expect the state to withdraw this charge not later than tomorrow,” Namandje said. If they proceed beyond that with this charge against Peter Elindi, we will file in the High Court. We will produce facts where this prosecution must be impugned and set aside by the court. It’s a mistaken identity,” Namandje said.
Peter is among nine individuals and six corporate entities charged in the case, which involves a total of 71 counts.
The charges include violations of the Anti-Corruption Act, the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, and fraud.
The state is opposing bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, possible interference in the investigation, and the likelihood of further arrests.
The bail application continues today.
