Unam fraud accused granted bail
A University of Namibia (Unam) employee who was arrested last week by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) agents for allegedly defrauding the institution of over N$2 million was granted bail of N$40 000 on Friday by Windhoek magistrate Monica Andjamba.
Tuyoleni Hamata, the director of information and communication technology at the institution, is facing charges of fraud and of corruptly using his position for personal gain.
During the bail hearing, the State proposed a bail amount of N$70 000, arguing that it reflected the seriousness of the charges he faces.
However, Hamata's legal representative from Sisa Namandje & Co, argued that Hamata's salary was insufficient to cover the bail amount as he supports his mother and two siblings and also pays for utilities.
Investigation
According to the ACC, Hamata allegedly orchestrated a fraudulent transaction in which the university paid over N$2 million instead of N$1 million for Wi-Fi devices. During Covid-19, the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) bought Wi-Fi devices for students at a subsidised price. Hamata wrote a letter to NSFAF requesting that the surplus devices be forwarded to Unam for distribution to its branches. They were supposed to pay N$1 million, but Hamata doubled the price, resulting in Unam paying over N$2 million. NSFAF agreed to give the devices on the condition that no third party was involved, the ACC stated.
The case has been postponed to 1 November for ongoing investigations.
Tuyoleni Hamata, the director of information and communication technology at the institution, is facing charges of fraud and of corruptly using his position for personal gain.
During the bail hearing, the State proposed a bail amount of N$70 000, arguing that it reflected the seriousness of the charges he faces.
However, Hamata's legal representative from Sisa Namandje & Co, argued that Hamata's salary was insufficient to cover the bail amount as he supports his mother and two siblings and also pays for utilities.
Investigation
According to the ACC, Hamata allegedly orchestrated a fraudulent transaction in which the university paid over N$2 million instead of N$1 million for Wi-Fi devices. During Covid-19, the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) bought Wi-Fi devices for students at a subsidised price. Hamata wrote a letter to NSFAF requesting that the surplus devices be forwarded to Unam for distribution to its branches. They were supposed to pay N$1 million, but Hamata doubled the price, resulting in Unam paying over N$2 million. NSFAF agreed to give the devices on the condition that no third party was involved, the ACC stated.
The case has been postponed to 1 November for ongoing investigations.
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