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namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6824 TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2019 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
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Cover-up of Evidence:
Shock over arrest of Corporate Services Manager, Andre Plaatjie
Pricing is Critical
Floris Steenkamp Page 3
Personnel at the Swakopmund municipality is in shock and disbelief over the arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday of Mr Andre Plaatjie (49), the local authority's Manager: Corporate Services. The arrest follows on an alleged coverup of evidence in a vehicle accident, to protect Plaatjie who is alleged to have driven under the influence of alcohol and then caused a vehicle accident. A member of the public, identified as Epenetus Tertuis du Toit (43), and a former municipal
traffic officer at the Swakopmund municip a l i t y, P r e c i o u s Kasika, are also in trouble along with Plaatjie. Both Plaatjie and du Toit made a first appearance before a magistrate on Thursday and were granted bail of N$3 000. They face charges of corruptly using office or position for grati-
fication, conspiracy to commit an act of corruption and obstructing the course of justice. Kasika was at Katima Mulilo at the time of the arrest of Plaatjie and du Toit. Kasika would have been arrested over the weekend, brought before a magistrate at Katima and then transferred in custody to Swakopmund Continues on page 2
CRAN and Nampol sign MoU Andre Plaatjie
Epenetus du Toit
Precious Kasika
Not suspended at time of going to press....... “He is still at the office. The matter is dealt with internally�. These were the words by which Swakopmund municipal spokesperson Ailie Gebhard yesterday described the employment status of Andre Plaatjie in the wake of his arrest and first appearance in court on charges of corruption.
Port users look forward to completion of container terminal on reclaimed land Walvis Bay Corridor Group With construction on the expansion works of the new container terminal more than 85% complete, Walvis Bay and its port users are gearing up and looking forward its completion. According to Namport, the new facility will be commissioned in the latter half of 2019. Chairperson of the Port Users Association (WBPUA), Pillar Veiga, says that the industry is eagerly awaiting the new upgraded facility. "There is much to do and adjustments to be made to accom-
modate the new infrastructure. We look forward to the new digitalised systems and equipment which will raise the competitiveness of our port and route." The shipping industry
is readying themselves as well. Willie Prosser, Chairman of the Container Liners Operators Forum (CLOF) says the capacity increase will allow for increased productivity and effiContinues on page 2
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Eight liners to call during March/April
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Swakop hosts first fight night Page 11