Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Friday after receiving a tip-off from a whistleblower apprehended an official from AgroMarketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) in connection with corrupt practices.
James Masule Walubita (49) allegedly embezzled AMTA funds for self-gratification and is charged with contravening Section 43(1) and 35(3) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2003 (Act No.8 of 2003), as amended.
It is alleged that Walubita sold maize grains from AMTA silos to individual persons and issued them with private bank account details to deposit the money.
In addition, approximately 80 tons of maize grains from AMTA Silo in Katima Mulilo were reportedly sold recently to a miller (name withheld) whereby the tax invoice to an estimated amount of N$280 000 was issued containing details of an individual’s banking account into which money should be deposited. The account provided does not belong to AMTA. The name of the account holder involved is withheld for investigation purposes.
The suspect is in police custody and will appear before the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on Monday. In a statement, the ACC said it strongly objects to the suspect being granted bail on Monday for the reason that the apprehension of other possible suspects involved in the commission of the corrupt practices cannot be ruled out.
The ACC said information received indicated this might not be the only incident and the possibility of similar charges being added cannot be ruled out.
“AMTA is one of the institutions entrusted to play an important role in the promotion of food security in Namibia. Hence, the practices of officials employed in positions of trust embezzling public funds result not only in damage to the national economy but also jeopardizes the food security in the country,” the ACC said.
“The Commission commends those who partake in the fight
against corruption and urges those in positions of trust to perform their duties diligently and ethically and uphold a high level of integrity at all times. The Commission further urges everyone to take part in the fight against corruption and have the courage to report suspected acts of corruption. The corrupt practices must be exposed so that the transgressors face consequences.”
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