A Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator has testified that a former executive at the state-owned National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) received payments from a private fuel supplier while approving lucrative contracts for the company. The allegations emerged during a bail hearing for six individuals accused of defrauding Namcor in a case underscoring concerns about graft in the country’s energy sector.
Oberty Inambao, the lead ACC investigator, told the court that Olivia Dunaiski, Namcor’s former commercial manager, accepted N$10,000 (approximately US$540) from Austin Elindi, owner of Erongo Petroleum CC, in early August 2022. At the time, Dunaiski served on a Namcor credit committee responsible for approving fuel supply agreements and credit extensions. Inambao stated the payment coincided with her role in authorizing deals benefiting Erongo Petroleum.
The investigation reportedly uncovered similar payments to two other committee members: Jennifer Hamukwaya, a finance executive, and Cedric Willemse, a former logistics manager. “Evidence established that Erongo Petroleum made payments to these three individuals while they were approving fuel supply contracts for the company,” Inambao testified.
Financial records revealed larger transactions allegedly linked to the case. Between May and December 2022, Erongo Petroleum transferred N$950,000 to Panduleni Farming, a business owned by Hamukwaya’s husband. A further N$500,000 was routed to the same entity via Quality Meat Supplies in mid-December 2022 – two days after Hamukwaya approved a N$22 million fuel purchase order for Erongo Petroleum. Willemse reportedly received N$1.6 million through Quality Meat Supplies between July and November 2022.
The court also heard that Dunaiski resigned from Namcor and later joined Erongo Petroleum, where she developed a romantic relationship with Elindi. Inambao noted investigators could not confirm whether the relationship began during her tenure at the state oil firm.
The bail application involves six suspects connected to alleged fraud totaling over N$30 million. While the ACC has not specified charges against Dunaiski, Hamukwaya, or Willemse, the testimony highlights potential conflicts of interest and systemic oversight gaps in Namibia’s petroleum sector. Namcor, a key player in the country’s energy security, has faced multiple corruption scandals in recent years, prompting calls for stronger governance reforms.
The case continues as authorities work to untangle the web of financial transactions and personal connections at the heart of the allegations. Legal experts suggest the outcome could influence broader efforts to combat corruption in southern Africa’s state-owned enterprises.
