Minister charged with graft

Namibia’s Education Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has confirmed that the Anti-Corruption Commission has summonsed her to appear in court to face corruption charges. The Namibian reports that the charges originate from her period as governor of the Hardap region in 2014 when she allegedly removed two people from a housing beneficiary list and replaced them with her relatives. New Era reports that she has denied the charges. ‘It is painful that actions taken within the scope of responsibility and duties as a governor have resulted in the case being pursued against me. I state categorically that I neither abused my powers nor was I motivated by a desire for my direct and or indirect benefit. The allegations levelled against me tormented my person for a long time as it is difficult to defend yourself in a court of public opinion,’ she said in a statement. Hanse-Himarwa, who is represented by her legal counsel Sisa Namandje, is expected to appear in court this week.

Full New Era report

Full report in The Namibian