SWAKOPMUND Regional Court Magistrate Gaynor Poulton found Erongo Police Deputy Commissioner Andrew Iyambo (54) guilty on a charge of fraud on Friday.

Iyambo was found guilty of soliciting funds in his official capacity, and under the guise of a Police sport event at Otjiwarongo in August 2006, to buy a new set of tyres costing N$6 120 for his car.

He was sentenced to a fine of N$8 000 or one year in prison. Another year's imprisonment was suspended for four years.

According to Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Hophni Hamufungu, the sentence could mean that Iyambo may lose his job in the Namibian Police.

The Police's internal investigations directorate will convene a board of inquiry to decide on Iyambo's future in the force, he said. The Inspector General, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, has the final say.

The Namibian was informed that Iyambo would be back at his post today as the Erongo Police's second in charge until further notice.

During the course of this case, Iyambo pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraud and said he was under the impression that his request for financial assistance from Namsov Fishing Company was above board.

Commissioner Hubert Mootseng, the commanding officer of the Police's Complaints and Discipline Division, told the court that Iyambo first needed the permission of the Police Inspector General to solicit funds, which was apparently never done.

Magistrate Poulton ruled that Iyambo had twisted the truth by stating in the letter to Namsov that he needed "vital parts for his vehicle" in light of the sports event, and that the money was to be deposited into the Police sport club's account.

She said Iyambo's account of the incident was "a blatant lie", while the six State witnesses' accounts were "clear, honest and concise".

Poulton said one of the most aggravating conditions was the fact that Iyambo, a law enforcement leader who was in a position of trust, had undermined the trust of the community he had been serving and the trust of his subordinates. "It's a very serious crime and law enforcers are supposed to set an example in society. Everyone expects law enforcers to abide by the law," she said.