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Namibia: Avidgate Scandal Suspects in Court
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New Era (Windhoek)
18 April 2008
Posted to the web 18 April 2008
Kuvee Kangueehi
Windhoek
The Avid five who were arrested on Wednesday in Windhoek made a brief appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court yesterday morning.
The five, former Deputy Minister of Works, Transport and Communication, Paulus Kapia, Inez /Gâses, former Acting Secretary of the National Youth Council, Ralph Blaauw, and his wife Sharon Blaauw and Labour Ministry Official and lawyer, Otniel Podewiltz, were joined by Brigadier Mathias Shigwedha who could not be traced on Wednesday.
During their brief appearance, the six suspects were informed by Magistrate Elsie Schickerling that their case had been postponed to today for the Prosecutor General's decision.
The magistrate also informed them that they would be joined in the witness box today by accused number one in the case, Nico Josea. /Gâses was cited as accused number two, Kapia number three, Sharon Blaauw number four, Ralph Blaauw number five, Podewiltz number six and Shigwedha number seven.
The magistrate extended bail for Kapia, Ralph and Sharon Blaauw and /Gâses and informed Podewiltz, who spent Wednesday night in the Windhoek Police Station cells after failing to raise the N$10000 bail, that he would be released on bail once he paid the amount.
Schickerling, however, declined to listen to a bail reduction request from Podewiltz's legal representatives and said a formal bail application had to be made and a date set with the court.
Windhoek-based lawyer, Shafimana Ueitele, who is representing /Gâses expressed disappointment that the court deemed it right to arrest the six suspects despite the fact that the Prosecutor General had not made a decision on the case.
The magistrate said the prosecution team acted in that manner because Josea, who is also out on N$10000 bail, is appearing today thus they arrested the six to ensure that they are all present today.
Speaking to New Era after the proceedings, Ueitele said the defence team has not yet been informed about the charges and will expect the prosecution team to inform them about the charges today.
As expected, the case attracted a huge crowd. Onlookers outside the court were jostling to catch a glimpse of the suspects as they entered the court.
The Blaauw couple was the first to enter, followed by Shigwedha accompanied by his lawyer.
One of the prime attractions, Kapia, entered the court through the back door to avoid the cameras but one court clerk alerted the unsuspecting journalists.
Criminal charges are expected to be laid against the six people that are linked to a dubious investment firm.
In 2005 the little known asset management company, Avid, acquired N$30 million from the Social Security Commission (SSC) and invested the money in an offshore company. The money could later not be accounted for.
The disappearance of the money led to a High Court inquiry. Subsequent to the inquiry, Lazarus Kandara, who was believed to be the kingpin in the Avid saga committed suicide while under police escort in front of the Windhoek Police Station.
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The case starts at 09h00 today.
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