The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) received 120 complaints of corruption during the 2020/2021 financial year, representing a decrease from the 187 complaints received in the previous year.
According to the ACC’s 2020/2021 annual report, only 50 of these cases warranted investigation by the ACC, compared to 61 cases that had to be investigated in the previous year.
These figures do not include matters in which whistle-blowers were directed or advised to report complaints to other relevant institutions.
“The remaining 63 cases of non-pursuable corruption complaints were declined due to insufficient evidence or vague or unsubstantiated information provided, while seven corruption related cases were referred to other institutions with a request for feedback.
The nature of information for the corruption cases received determines whether the matter warrants investigation by the ACC or not,” the report noted.
Out of the 120 cases reported, 73 were closed due to unsubstantiated or declined evidence, insufficient evidence to ensure investigation, and/or vague information. Another reason cases were closed was because they were referred to the relevant authorities with requests for feedback.
The commonly reported types of corruption cases included abuse of power, tender irregularities, irregularities in recruitment, bribery, abuse of public resources and land tax refunds.
Abuse of power made up 20 per cent of the corruption cases, which were mainly reported by whistle-blowers. Cases related to tenders and procurement made up 10 per cent of the cases.
The ACC Head Office in Windhoek recorded the highest number of corruption cases totalling 60, followed by Erongo with 22 and Oshana with 20. Otjozondjupa recorded the lowest number of cases at 18.
The head office serves the Khomas, Hardap, //Kharas and Omaheke Regions, while the Erongo office also serves Kunene. The Otjozondjupa office also serves Kavango East and West and the Zambezi Region, while the Oshana office serves Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto.
According to the report, the year under review was challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to officials in several offices working from home, making it difficult to investigate and finalise dockets speedily.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
