The State has asked the High Court for permission to appeal the decision that allowed NAMCOR employee Cedric Willemse to be released on bail.
Willemse is one of the people accused of being part of a group that allegedly misused close to N$400 million from the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).
He was granted bail last month by Magistrate Olga Muharukua in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. However, prosecutors believe the magistrate made a mistake in her ruling and did not fully consider the seriousness of the case or its effect on the public.
According to the State, Willemse used his position as a member of NAMCOR’s credit committee to help certain companies receive fuel supplies even after they had reached or exceeded their credit limits. This, they say, went against NAMCOR’s internal policies.
The State also claims that after these deals, large sums of money were deposited into Willemse’s personal bank accounts. Among these transactions were deposits of over N$1 million, which prosecutors say raise serious red flags.
Authorities believe there is strong evidence linking Willemse to the alleged crimes and that the chances of him being convicted are high. Investigators have also warned that if Willemse remains free, he could possibly interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations.
The application for leave to appeal has now been filed with the High Court, where judges will decide whether the bail ruling should be reviewed or overturned.
