Two officials from the Erongo Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture were taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over alleged irregularities involving the admission of a staff member into a University of Namibia (UNAM) teacher training programme.
According to the ACC, the arrests took place yesterday at the directorate’s offices in Swakopmund following an investigation into suspected abuse of office and falsification of documents.
It is alleged that in 2018, the officials submitted false information to UNAM to facilitate the admission of Ms. Betty Somses, who worked as an Administrative Officer: Hostels, into the Teachers’ Diploma in Junior Primary Education (DJPE INSET) programme. The course was specifically intended for unqualified teachers already serving in schools and funded by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.
Investigators claim the Directorate falsely stated that Somses was a teacher at “Daleen Pre-Primary School,” a school that reportedly does not exist in the Erongo Region.
As a result, Deputy Director for Programmes and Quality Assurance, Natalia Guriras, has been charged with abuse of office for gratification, while Betty Somses faces a charge of providing false information to a public body.
Both suspects were released on N$10,000 bail each, and their case is scheduled for plea and trial on 24 August 2026.
