Suspended NDF Member Arrested Over Alleged N$180,000 Corruption Scheme
By Aneli Fura
A 52-year-old suspended member of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Heita Vilho, has been granted bail after appearing in court on corruption-related charges linked to an alleged financial scam within the military.
Vilho made his first appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where bail was set at N$10,000. His arrest follows an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into suspected fraudulent activities dating back to late 2019 and early 2020.
According to the ACC, Vilho is accused of facilitating irregular payments amounting to nearly N$180,000, causing a financial loss of approximately N$179,508.91 to the NDF. The payments were allegedly made to a civilian business, Lifeline Body Workshop and Car Sales, for vehicle repairs and services that were never performed.
Further investigations reportedly revealed that inflated quotations were submitted as part of the scheme, allegedly to benefit financially from the transactions.
Vilho is facing charges under the Anti-Corruption Act, including corruptly using his position for personal gain. Fraud has been listed as an alternative charge.
Meanwhile, the ACC confirmed that two other suspects believed to be involved in the matter are still on the run, with ongoing efforts to track them down.
