After a decade-long legal battle, the University of Namibia's (UNAM) former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Boniface Mutumba, has been cleared of corruption charges.
Magistrate Ndapewa Amadhila delivered the ruling on Monday, clearing Dr. Mutumba and his former colleague Ruben Prinz of all allegations related to UNAM's 2014 tender process.
In 2014, Dr. Mutumba, a member of UNAM's tender board, faced accusations of irregularities in awarding a N$16 million hostel construction tender at the Neudamm Campus.
The university alleged that Mutumba and Prinz withheld crucial details regarding the company that was recommended to the tender board, prompting an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Suspended during the investigations, Mutumba resigned from the university in 2015.
After 10 years of legal battles, the court delivered a not guilty verdict, clearing the former Pro Vice Chancellor of corruptly using his office or position for gratification and using false documentation.
"The 10-year journey was truly a challenge that required manhood to maintain the status quo; there were a lot of flaws, cash-related outflows, loss of social relations, loss of credibility, as well as perceived immorality that I had to deal with for a period of 10 years. My moral gratitude is at the apex of all things, being a person of ethics, a person of standards that I have kept since 1993 when I joined the public service at different levels of government up to when I ended up at the university. I feel delighted that at last justice prevailed and am so delighted with the fact that," said Mutumba.
He said his career, life, and family suffered as a result of the allegations.
"I severely suffered the loss of income, and that, among other things, was quite impactful, keeping in mind I still had children that were still schoolgoing at that time, so to sustain operations, to sustain financial needs, and to meet expectations and requirements from different institutions was a challenge."
Dr. Mutumba stated that he hoped justice would one day be served and he is ready to return to public service.
"For now, going forward, I am prepared again to take over public office responsibility to serve our government without any fear or shame."
He also shared words of wisdom with those in leadership, should they ever find themselves in a similar position.
"Great leaders should learn to uphold the principles of the law, and no one should make you feel down for being alleged because it does not mean you are guilty."