Namibia's Ministry of Defence demanded answers from the Kharas Regional Council about missing funds worth N$4 million. The money was meant for a construction contract awarded to August 26 company. Deputy Defence Minister Charles Mubita addressed parliament after corruption allegations surfaced. Opposition leader Job Amupanda raised concerns about the tender process last April. The ministry holds government shares in August 26 Construction.
Amupanda accused August 26 of hiring Ultimate Traders CC as a subcontractor for furniture work worth over N$3 million. The company allegedly received N$2.9 million for the project. Ultimate Traders CC belongs to Titus Iipumbu according to Amupanda's claims. Iipumbu met with Ralph Namiluko Sachika from the regional council office. The meetings led to N$3.9 million being transferred to Tushiko Internet Technologies bank account.
Mubita confirmed knowledge of the N$4 million but said August 26 never received the payment. The regional council claimed it sent the money to August 26 for office park construction last November. However the funds never appeared in August 26's bank account records. The ministry asked the regional council to explain where the money went. August 26 filed fraud charges and police started investigating the case.
The deputy minister criticized Amupanda for publishing private account information and names without proper legal process. Mubita rejected claims that the ministry's purchasing system allows corruption. Police continue investigating a separate case involving a fake N$8 million car parts invoice. The ministry admits August 26 faced past scandals but says officials recovered the losses. A weekend meeting will discuss ways to improve the company's operations.
Amupanda questioned why the ministry refers questions to the regional council instead of taking direct action. August 26 receives about 150 contracts worth N$1 billion and remains fully controlled by the defence ministry. The opposition leader wants the ministry to transform the company from a corruption center into a productive military business tool.
Amupanda accused August 26 of hiring Ultimate Traders CC as a subcontractor for furniture work worth over N$3 million. The company allegedly received N$2.9 million for the project. Ultimate Traders CC belongs to Titus Iipumbu according to Amupanda's claims. Iipumbu met with Ralph Namiluko Sachika from the regional council office. The meetings led to N$3.9 million being transferred to Tushiko Internet Technologies bank account.
Mubita confirmed knowledge of the N$4 million but said August 26 never received the payment. The regional council claimed it sent the money to August 26 for office park construction last November. However the funds never appeared in August 26's bank account records. The ministry asked the regional council to explain where the money went. August 26 filed fraud charges and police started investigating the case.
The deputy minister criticized Amupanda for publishing private account information and names without proper legal process. Mubita rejected claims that the ministry's purchasing system allows corruption. Police continue investigating a separate case involving a fake N$8 million car parts invoice. The ministry admits August 26 faced past scandals but says officials recovered the losses. A weekend meeting will discuss ways to improve the company's operations.
Amupanda questioned why the ministry refers questions to the regional council instead of taking direct action. August 26 receives about 150 contracts worth N$1 billion and remains fully controlled by the defence ministry. The opposition leader wants the ministry to transform the company from a corruption center into a productive military business tool.
