Justicia Shipena
Former National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) executive Cornelius “Cedric” Willemse will know on October 28 whether he will be released on bail.
Magistrate Olga Muharukua will deliver the judgement.
Willemse (52) is facing charges of fraud, corruption, theft under false pretences, money laundering, and tax evasion in the alleged Namcor corruption scandal involving Enercon Namibia, Erongo Petroleum, and other entities.
He was arrested on 8 July and has remained in custody since.
Through his lawyer, Willemse told the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court that the state’s fears that he will flee or interfere with investigations are unfounded.
He argued that he is a proper candidate for bail and that the case against him is weak and based on speculation.
Willemse said he has lived in Namibia since 2006 and voluntarily surrendered both his Namibian and South African passports to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
“Your Worship, I have no intention of absconding. I’ve built my businesses here, invested in property, and I want to clear my name,” he said.
His lawyer argued that his dual citizenship and property ownership in South Africa do not make him a flight risk.
They said wealth or mobility alone cannot justify detention and that his business and family ties in Namibia anchor him to the country.
Willemse also denied that he could interfere with witnesses, saying he resigned from Namcor Trading in November 2023 and has no access to company records.
“I will not interfere with any witnesses. I do not even know who those witnesses are,” he testified.
His lawyer said the state’s case remains incomplete and that much of the evidence presented by the investigating officer is hearsay.
They argued there is no proof linking Willemse directly to bribe payments, and the charges remain preliminary.
Willemse maintained that the transactions reflected in his accounts were legitimate and that Namcor Trading operated as a private company, not a public entity.
“The state has not shown that detaining the applicant will advance its investigation,” his final submission read.
He further argued that keeping him in custody “would amount to anticipatory punishment” and violate his fair trial rights under Article 12 of the Constitution.
Willemse told the court that he has faced financial and health difficulties since his arrest and asked to be released on bail with strict conditions, including travel restrictions and regular reporting to the police.
However, state prosecutor Basson Lilungwe opposed the bail application, saying Willemse poses a high risk of absconding.
“The applicant has strong ties to South Africa, where he owns property, maintains bank accounts, and has close family. These connections present a real risk that he may flee and not stand trial,” Lilongwe said.
He told the court that Willemse faces serious charges involving about N$400 million in public funds. “This is economic sabotage at its highest peak,” he argued.
Lilungwe said police foiled an alleged plan for Willemse’s escape while he was being transported to hospital in July.
He added that the accused travelled between Namibia and South Africa at least 40 times between 2019 and 2025, showing a likelihood of absconding.
He said the state is still investigating, and more arrests are expected, including that of fugitive Victor Simaneka Malima, who is believed to have fled to Angola.
“The applicant has failed to discharge the onus placed on him to show that the interests of justice permit his release,” Lilungwe said.
“The court must weigh the public interest and the administration of justice. In this case, both dictate that bail should be refused.”
