GRN employees accused of abuse of Government Fuel Card – Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché

Leilla Shiwa Martin, 33, and Vilho Shipopyeni Limene, 36, both employees of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, appeared before the Windhoek Magistrate Court on charges of misusing a government blue fuel card.

The duo was apprehended a little more than a week ago after allegations surfaced that the government fuel card was illicitly used to purchase six tyres at a Windhoek Motor Spares shop for a private vehicle.

According to Josefina Nghituwamata, the private vehicle was then fitted with four of the illicitly acquired tyres, while the other two were loaded into the same car. She said the cost of the tyres is N$6 850.

Martin, a Senior Administrative Officer, and Limene, a driver at the ministry, were arrested on 10 September 2023.

Both face charges under section 43(1) and section 46(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Act 8 of 2003, implicating them for corruptly using their positions for gratification and conspiring to commit an offence.

The accused made their court appearances on the 11th and 12th of September 2023. Each was granted bail set at N$1 500, while the matter was postponed until 17 November 2023 to allow for further investigations.

As part of the ongoing probe, investigators confirmed the recovery of all six tyres. The illicitly acquired tyres will be a crucial part of the evidence against the accused persons once the trial commences.

Nghituwamata said this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to ensure transparency and responsibility in government operations.