The two remaining suspects in the Zambezi Regional Council corruption case involving more than N$4.6 million made a brief court appearance in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate Court this morning.

The two are Deputy Director for Administration Abraham Shikoyeni, 48, who was arrested in Windhoek on Monday, and Chief Accountant Nimrod Nehemia Lichela, arrested at Katima Mulilo on Monday.

Shikoyeni faces three corruption charges, while Lichela is facing two charges.

Just like their co-accused, they were granted bail of N$50,000 each.

Shikoyeni opted to engage a private lawyer, while Lichela opted to apply for the Legal Aid government-paid layer.

The duo pleaded with the court for the bail money to be reduced to at least one-quarter of the original amount of N$50,000. The state, however, objected to the reduction, indicating that they are facing serious accusations of using public funds, which is of great public interest.

Chief Regional Officer Reginah Ndopu-Lubinda, Deputy Director for Planning Beavan Walubita, and his deputy, Cletius Mubita, all paid bail and were released on Monday.

Development Planner Daniel Mbala is the only one who spent a night in police holding cells pending bail payment. He is joined by the two co-accused, who have yet to pay bail.

The Zambezi Regional Council officials are accused of awarding a tender of about N$4.7 million without following procedures, as well as claiming for SnT under false pretences.