Authorities detained a ministry employee and a civilian member for allegedly defrauding a government agricultural program of thousands of dollars. Muliehi Neo, age 41, works as a senior agricultural technician at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, while Panduleni Hamunime, age 47, resides in Okadiva village. The pair appeared before magistrates in Ondangwa and each secured release on bail totaling N$5,000.
Investigators from the Anti-Corruption Commission determined that Neo inflated a subsidy claim from N$7,500 to N$18,000 under the Government Weeding Subsidy Scheme. The suspects then pocketed the N$10,500 difference. Officials say the duo deceived the Ndemutalelapo Supporting Group by falsely claiming the additional funds covered private or funeral costs.
Prosecutors charged both individuals under anti-corruption legislation, money laundering statutes, and public disorder laws. The case returns to court next year.
Investigators from the Anti-Corruption Commission determined that Neo inflated a subsidy claim from N$7,500 to N$18,000 under the Government Weeding Subsidy Scheme. The suspects then pocketed the N$10,500 difference. Officials say the duo deceived the Ndemutalelapo Supporting Group by falsely claiming the additional funds covered private or funeral costs.
Prosecutors charged both individuals under anti-corruption legislation, money laundering statutes, and public disorder laws. The case returns to court next year.
