Staff Reporter
Olivia Dunaiski, the former commercial manager at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia, has denied receiving a bribe from entities involved in the fraud and corruption case of the state petroleum entity, stating that an amount of N$10,000 she had received was in relation to consultancy work she had done for a feasibility study for a medical centre.
The state alleges in count 32 that Dunaiski, from 8 July 2022, unlawfully and with intent to defraud, gave out to Enercon Namibia Pty Ltd that there was board approval to purchase nine service stations from Enercon, when in fact there had been no board approval, as well as received money from Venus Technologies CC as a bribe.
“I do confirm that an entity known as Venus Technologies CC on 4 August 2022 [paid] the amount of N$10,000.00. The payment was not for any moment in respect of any NAMCOR Trading / NAMCOR-related matter. The payment was made in respect of consultation I did in relation to a feasibility study for an intended medical centre,” Dunaiski said.
She added that she is currently unemployed and unmarried.
“I occasionally conduct consultancy services for various individuals, including juristic persons. I am, however, a mother of and sole provider to a 24-year-old who is currently pursuing university studies in Spain. I have raised him as a single parent after the passing of his father during 2006, and I remain responsible for his financial and emotional well-being,” Dunaiski said.
She added that she had joined NAMCOR Trading only during October 2019, and at that point, Eco Fuel, a company owned by fugitive Victor Malima, had already been conducting business with NAMCOR Trading.
“I wish to state further that Eco Fuel was already in arrears with a substantial amount. I came and found that transaction already in place. From the records I found, I could see that the Territory Manager, Diana Tsamases, as well as the then Commercial Manager, Kosmos Damaseb, had dealt with the transaction. I deny further that I corruptly used any public office for gratification. I, in any event, occupied no public office. I am unaware of any sale of nine service stations. As far as I am aware, there was an Asset Purchase Agreement concluded between NAMCOR Trading concerning the rights, interest, and title to assets owned by ENERCON. The transaction in question was foreshadowed by the Fuel Supply Agreement dated 16 March 2022, in particular clause 4.5.1,” Dunaiski said.
In response to Dunaiski, ACC investigator Oberty Inambao said that fraud is a serious charge and had caused Namcor millions in losses.
“I don’t think the state would have secured the attendance of Dunaiski if she did not commit an offence. We are not looking at the value; we are looking at the gratification. Fraud is a serious offence. She committed this offence whilst executing her duties, which resulted in Namcor losing the said amount,” Inambao said.
