ACC Arrests Official for Favoring His Girlfriend and the Mother of His Child in Recruitment Scandal
By TUW
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested two public officials over allegations that a man in a position of authority improperly favored his girlfriend and the mother of his child during a recruitment process in October 2023. The arrests underscore the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and integrity within Namibia’s public service.
The suspects are Jona Mbuna Kangumbe, 51, Deputy Director of Administration at the Kavango East Regional Council, and Fatima Panduleni Ndawedwa, 39, Control Administrative Officer at the Oshikango Constituency Office. The alleged misconduct took place during interviews conducted from 11 to 12 October 2023 for a vacant position at the Okankolo Constituency.
According to the ACC, Kangumbe, who was a member of the interview panel, allegedly shared interview questions with Ndawedwa via SMS while the interviews were still ongoing. Investigators also claim that he did not disclose his personal relationship with Ndawedwa, his girlfriend and the mother of his child, creating a conflict of interest that compromised the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process.
Kangumbe faces charges of corruptly using his office for gratification under Section 43(1), alternatively using a false document under Section 35(3)(b), and corruptly giving gratification as outlined in Section 34. Ndawedwa is charged with corruptly accepting gratification under Section 33.
Both suspects appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrates’ Court on 18 November 2025 and were granted bail of N$5,000 each. The matter has been postponed to 25 February 2026 for further investigation and continuation of court proceedings.
The ACC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity, fairness, and accountability in public service. The Commission stressed that corruption undermines governance and national development, and encouraged the public to continue reporting suspected corrupt activities, assuring that all allegations will be fully investigated.
