Former Omaruru mayor and current SWAPO candidate for the Omaruru Constituency, Hendrina Gebhardt, has been granted bail of N$8 000 by the Omaruru Regional Court. The case has been postponed to 4 December 2025 for plea and trial proceedings.
Gebhardt, who also serves as the acting principal of S.I !Gobs Secondary School, was arrested on Monday and charged under Section 43(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003. The charge stems from allegations that she abused her position for gratification while serving as mayor in 2012.
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), investigations indicate that Gebhardt allegedly influenced the appointment of her brother, Samuel Gebhardt, to the position of workshop foreman at the Omaruru Municipality. The ACC’s findings suggest that Samuel was not the most qualified applicant and did not score the highest during interviews. Despite this, he was reportedly hired following the then-mayor’s directive to the sitting CEO to proceed with his appointment.
Meanwhile, Swapo Party Regional Coordinator Daniel Muuhura said the party has not yet deliberated on the corruption charges against Gebhardt, who is contesting in the upcoming regional elections. Muuhura stated that the party’s leadership will discuss the matter internally before making any formal decision, urging the media and public to await official communication from party headquarters.
