Africa-Press – Namibia. Five Otavi handymen were arrested for allegedly stealing drought-relief food, prompting calls for a wider investigation into suspected corruption in the Otjozondjupa Regional Council.
The men were arrested on 16 June after being found in possession of six 4kg rice bags and 13 boxes each containing 12 tins of fish (400g).
The five accused are Naruseb Alfred, Naruseb Martinus, Meyo Daniel, Kavenandayi Ndjoze, and Mundju Karuamuze.
They reportedly work at the Otavi drought-relief depot belonging to the Namibian Defence Force and used by the Otavi Regional Council as a storage facility.
Otjozondjupa police regional commander commissioner Philip Hidengwa has confirmed this to The Namibian.
This is not an isolated incident as Tsumeb constituency councillor Gotlieb Ndjendjela was last year accused of stealing drought-relief food alongside other council officials.
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) chairperson for the Otjozondjupa region Johannes John has since demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
Speaking to The Namibian last Friday, John said the involved food was en route to Tsumkwe from Otavi, but those transporting it took a detour and sold the items to farmers at Otavi.
They allegedly then proceeded to Grootfontein and did the same thing.
“Through our internal intelligence team, we initiated independent investigations in collaboration with concerned residents and surrounding farmers. Their efforts yielded significant results.”
John called on the Otavi police to extend the scope of their investigation to include officials at the constituency office.
“We specifically request that councillor George Garab be questioned regarding the extent of his knowledge and potential involvement in this operation,” he said.
Garab did not answer his phone when approached for comment yesterday.
The unlawful sale of drought-relief food undermines the government’s efforts to address food insecurity, John said.
He said it involves a network of people, including officials from the regional constituency office.
He said the officials allegedly employ intermediaries to sell the food on their behalf, diverting essential supplies from the intended beneficiaries.
John says the AR has in the past had to mobilise and solicit funds from local community members to assist in the burial of children who died from hunger, which was a direct consequence of the exploitation of drought-relief supplies.
He also expressed dismay at the five suspects being granted bail after appearing in court.
John urged all residents and farmers to continue reporting suspicious activity.
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