Three employees of the Rundu Town Council found themselves in the dock on Tuesday, 25 June, after being arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe in exchange for illegally reconnecting water to a property that had been officially disconnected.
The suspects Peter Jonah (41), Peter Sikongo (43), and Frieda Johannes (31) all work in the council’s technical services department. They were apprehended during a police sting operation conducted at Kings Park, a residential area in Rundu, following a tip-off from concerned community members.
According to the Namibian Police, the operation was coordinated in collaboration with anti-corruption officials who had been monitoring the situation for several days. The accused were reportedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe of N$1 000.00.
Police spokespersons say the trio allegedly bypassed official council procedures by reconnecting the water supply without any documentation, approval, or notification to their employer. This act not only violated municipal rules but also amounted to a breach of public trust and abuse of authority.
All three are facing serious charges under the Anti-Corruption Act, which criminalizes the abuse of public office for personal gain. Specifically, they are accused of corruptly using their positions for self-gratification, a charge that could carry significant penalties if they are found guilty.
During their first court appearance at the Rundu Magistrate’s Court, the accused were not granted bail and were remanded in custody. The prosecution argued that releasing them could interfere with ongoing investigations, particularly since they are municipal employees with access to internal systems and sensitive records.
The case has been postponed to 30 June 2025 for a formal bail hearing. The court is expected to consider the seriousness of the allegations, the strength of the evidence, and whether the accused pose any flight risk or threat to the integrity of the investigation.
This incident has sparked public concern, with local residents calling for increased transparency and oversight within the town council. Some community members have voiced frustration over frequent service disruptions and alleged corruption within the municipality.
The Rundu Town Council has not yet released an official statement on the matter, but sources close to the council say internal disciplinary processes are expected to follow the legal proceedings. If convicted, the three employees could face not only criminal penalties but also dismissal from their positions.
The Namibian Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission have urged the public to report any suspected cases of bribery or illegal activity within public institutions, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are key to combating corruption and restoring public trust in government services.
