Windhoek: Abuse of power accounted for the largest share of corruption complaints reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) during the 2024/2025 financial year, constituting 45 percent of all cases received by the institution. This is contained in the ACC's 2024/2025 Annual Report, released by the National Assembly on Thursday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, 127 corruption-related cases were registered with the ACC during the reporting period. In addition to abuse of power, other commonly reported forms of corruption included bribery, abuse of public resources, and irregularities in tendering and recruitment processes. Of the total cases reported, 67 were investigated and 50 were declined due to a lack of substance, vague information, or unfounded allegations. A further 10 cases were referred to other institutions as they fell outside the mandate of the commission.

The distribution of cases across ACC offices shows that the head office in Windhoek recorded the highest number of reports with 73 cases, representing 57 percent of the total. The Oshana regional office recorded 16 cases or 13 percent, followed by the Erongo regional office with 15 cases (12 percent). The North-East regional office in Rundu registered 14 cases, representing 11 percent, while the Otjozondjupa regional office recorded the lowest number with nine cases, representing 7 percent of the total.

The report further notes that out of 68 cases investigated during the financial year, three were referred to the prosecutor general (PG) for a decision in terms of Section 31(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2003. Nine cases were closed after investigations found the allegations to be unfounded, while investigations into 56 cases remain ongoing.

A total of 24 case dockets were submitted to the PG during the reporting period, of which one related to the current financial year and 23 were backlog cases. Of these, two cases are currently before the court, two were referred back to the ACC for further investigation, and 20 are awaiting a decision from the PG. During the same period, 12 corruption-related cases were finalised in court, resulting in seven convictions, four acquittals, and one withdrawal of charges.

Since its establishment in 2006, the ACC has submitted 822 corruption cases to the PG for a decision. Out of 596 cases, 415 were authorised for prosecution, with 415 cases finalised in court, including 256 convictions and 159 acquittals or withdrawals.