Katima mulilo: A police officer arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of extortion and contravening the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003 was remanded in custody when he appeared for the first time before the Katima Mulilo Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the 37-year-old Eric Simataa appeared before magistrate Laina Namboga, who informed him of his rights to acquire the services of a private legal representative, apply for legal aid in the Ministry of Justice, or defend himself. Simataa indicated to the court that he would apply for legal aid and was advised to launch a formal bail application. The case was postponed to 19 February 2026 for this purpose.
It is alleged that Simataa corruptly used his office for self-gratification after he solicited and put pressure on certain individuals with pending court cases between 09 December 2025 and 10 February 2026, to pay him N.dollars 1,000 in order to facilitate the withdrawal of their pending court cases or remain in prison. Simataa was arrested after the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) received a tip-off from members of the public.
It is further alleged that Simataa, at an unknown time in Katima Mulilo, received N.dollars 1,000 from a police officer who pretended to be an individual in need of his services, and was arrested on the spot. The N.dollars 1,000 initially came from the police safe and was photocopied before the original money was given to Simataa. The money has since been recovered, and the copies of the money will serve as a court exhibit.
Prosecutor Brona Mukoya opposed bail, stressing that the State has a strong case and that it will not be in the interest of fair administration of justice if Simataa is granted bail. The State also fears that he may interfere with State witnesses. The prosecutor proposed that the case be postponed to 16 April 2026. However, Simataa informed the court that he fears that his long incarceration may cost him his job as a public servant after 30 days of being absent without leave. Police investigations continue.